The 31-year-old was a free agent after his contract at Manchester United ended in the summer.

He has signed a two-year deal with the Italian club.

The 2018 World Cup winner won three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues at Real Madrid before his three-year spell at Old Trafford.

He also played 93 times for his country before retiring from international football last year.

Como, back in Italy’s top flight after a 21-year absence, made former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas their head coach after winning promotion.

“I will meet Cesc again, but this time not as an opponent,” Varane said.

“I am very happy, I really like his playing philosophy and his passion for football.”

The former Real Madrid man arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2021, helping them to a Carabao Cup win last season.

However, injuries have impacted his time at the club and the Frenchman will depart the Premier League club at the end of the season.

Thank you for everything, @ManUtd ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4nwJxk4ddf

— Raphaël Varane (@raphaelvarane) May 14, 2024

In a statement on the club website, United wrote: “Raphael Varane has confirmed he will leave Manchester United in the summer, upon the expiry of his contract, following three seasons at Old Trafford.

“The much-decorated defender arrived at the club from Real Madrid in August 2021 and was memorably unveiled in front of our home fans at the Theatre of Dreams, before the opening weekend win over Leeds United.

“Varane has brought a great deal of class and experience to the team throughout his 93 appearances so far. The Frenchman also helped to win our first major trophy in six years, when lifting the 2023 Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium.”

From humorous rap lessons to emotional tributes, the contestants left the audience in awe.

Quito the Rapper takes the classroom:

Quito the rapper took centre stage this week, but instead of his usual lyrical prowess, he adopted a teacher’s role.

With a whiteboard, he painted a hilarious picture through rap, leaving the audience in stitches with his witty wordplay.

Tony Tusso’s hard-hitting P=performance:

Tony Tusso, known for his powerful performances, turned it notch higher this week. His rap skills and wordplay had the crowd spellbound from start to finish, demonstrating why he is a force to reckoned with on the show.

Stranjer’s Emotional Tribute:

Stranjer, one of the rising stars of the competition, moved the audience with a poignant performance.

His rap was about instant justice and his actors portrayed the tragic case of Major Mahama, whose life was tragically cut short by a mob.

Paul A.O shines with soulful voice:

Paul A.O continued to impress with his soulful voice, solidifying his place as a top contestant. His performances continue to resonate with the audience, leaving a lasting impact.

Diana nails Cina Soul and Kidi’s ‘Feelings’:

Diana graced the stage with a rendition of Cina Soul and Kidi’s ‘Feelings’ that left the audience in awe. Her flawless performance showcased her vocal prowess and stage presence.

Addi Churchbwoy’s dancehall extravaganza:

Addi Churchbwoy didn’t hold back when he hit the stage, delivering a high-energy dancehall performance that had the crowd on their feet. His rhythm and charisma ignited the dance floor.

Odekula electrifies with ‘Dadea Anoma’:

Odekula, with a voice capable of sending shivers down anyone’s spine, set the stage on fire with his rendition of Kwabena Kwabena’s ‘Dadea Anoma’. His powerful vocals dazzled the audience.

As “The Darling Factor” on Adom TV continues to showcase exceptional talents and unforgettable moments, it’s clear that this competition is heating up.

With each passing week, contestants leave a mark and keep viewers eagerly anticipating the next performances.

Stay tuned to Adom TV every weekend to witness more incredible talent and dramatic moments on “The Darling Factor.”

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Varane, 30, was forced off at half-time of Saturday’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford.

Club sources have played down suggestions he could miss as many as six weeks, and note the forthcoming international break will limit the number of matches he is absent for.

His absence puts a greater spotlight on the future of Harry Maguire.

It has been felt the England international could still move before Friday’s transfer deadline, despite turning down an offer from West Ham earlier this month.

That would seem to be less likely now, with Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Maguire left as Erik ten Hag’s only senior central defenders.

It is almost certain to mean former United defender Jonny Evans turns his currently temporary contract into a permanent one.

Erik ten Hag’s side hardly created a chance of note until Bruno Fernandes found Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a superb pass inside the area.

The right-back calmly lifted the bouncing ball to the edge of the six-yard box, where Varane used his height to get above Nelson Semedo and head home.

It was extremely harsh on Wolves, who made light of last week’s change of manager to produce a superb performance in Gary O’Neil’s first game in charge.

O’Neil was booked for his protests in claiming for a late penalty as United clung on for a fortunate victory.

United’s debutant goalkeeper Andre Onana avoided punishment in added time for charging into Sasa Kalajdzic as he clattered into the Wolves striker as he came for a cross without making contact with the ball.

Matheus Cunha should have given Wolves the lead before then as Pablo Sarabia’s low cross found him unmarked just beyond the far post but despite steadying himself, the Brazilian hit the outside of a post.

Cunha fizzed a low shot wide just before the break and Pedro Neto fired straight at Onana before Varane’s decisive effort while Fabio Silva had two goal-bound efforts saved as Wolves pressed for an equaliser.

Varane was part of the side that swept to the World Cup trophy at Russia in 2018, then came within a penalty shootout of repeating the feat at Qatar 2022.

His final act in a France shirt came during the World Cup final against Argentina in December, collapsing on all fours after a lung-busting run to prevent an attack.

VARANE’S RETIREMENT STATEMENT IN FULL

“Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Every time I wore this special blue jersey, I felt immense pride. The duty to give everything, to play with my heart and to win every time we stepped on the field. I’ve been thinking about this for several months and decided it was the right time for me to retire internationally.

“As a child, I remember following France ’98, this team, these players who made us live indescribable emotions. I dreamed of being like our heroes and, 20 years later, I had one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, one that made me really proud. We brought the cup home!! I will never forget it. I still feel every emotion I felt that day, July 15, 2018. It was one of the most amazing and memorable moments of my life.

“This victory that we won together would never have been possible without the support of Didier Deschamps, each of the members of the management and our staff during these years, my team-mates who defended our jersey in each of our matches.

“But more importantly, this victory would not have been possible without the support of each and every one of you along this path.

“Your fervour, celebrations and memories of our return to France will remain forever etched in me.

“Even after the defeat in the final last year, with certainly a great course, you welcomed us as a hero when we returned. To each and every one of you, a thousand times THANK YOU!

“I will miss those moments with you for sure, but the time has come for the new generation to pick up the slack. We have a group of talented young players who are ready to take over, who deserve to have a chance and who need you.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Rapha.”

A number of squads have suffered with illnesses during the tournament and France have been one of the worst hit.

Adrien Rabiot was out of the squad entirely for the semi-final win over Morocco on Wednesday whilst Bayern Munich duo Dayot Upamecano and Kingsley Coman were unused substitutes after also suffering.

Now French outlet L’Equipe reports that Varane and Konate have both come down with illness as well.

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The report says that the symptoms are mild for Varane and more intense for Konate. Rabiot and Upamecano returned to training on Thursday.

All eyes will now be on the group training session at 5pm UK time and which players are able to make it and which are missing.

It does raise a real concern around what happens in the centre of the defence. With Upamecano, Varane and Konate’s training time potentially limited it might leave manager Didier Deschamps in a difficult place.

A statement later on Friday ahead of training from the FFF confirmed that Varane, Coman and Konate would not train with the group and would instead do work in the gym.

“Raphaël Varane, Kingsley Coman and Ibrahima Konaté are spared and will not take part in the collective session today on the field but will have an session in the gym.”

The French defender suffered the injury during his country’s 2-1 win over Spain on Sunday in the Nations League final.

“Raphael Varane sustained a groin muscle injury in the Uefa Nations League final and has commenced rehabilitation at the club,” United said in a statement.

“He will be out for a few weeks.”

United captain Harry Maguire is also sidelined by a calf problem leaving Solskjaer without his strongest centre-back pairing.

Eric Bailly, whose one appearance this season came in a League Cup loss to West Ham, or Phil Jones, who has not played since January 2020, could now start Saturday’s trip to Leicester in the Premier League.

After a visit to the Foxes, the Red Devils face Atalanta at home in the Champions League before fixtures against rivals Liverpool and Tottenham later this month.

A fee of £34m – which could rise to £42m with add-ons – was agreed for the France international on 26 July.

The 28-year-old won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies with Real during a 10-year stay.

“Manchester United is one of the most iconic clubs in world football,” said World Cup winner Varane.

“The chance to come here and play in the Premier League is something I couldn’t turn down.

“There is a lot more that I want to achieve in my career and I know I’m joining a squad full of great players who will all have the same determination to win matches and trophies.

“Having spoken to the manager, I can see how much progress has been made over the last few seasons and I now join a group ready to play at the highest level.

“I want to make an impact here and I will give everything to become part of this club’s illustrious history.”

Varane began his career at French side Lens and made 360 appearances for Real.

He has won 79 international caps and played in all four of France’s games at Euro 2020 this summer as they were eliminated in the last 16.

United have been long-term admirers of Varane, whose contract at the Bernabeu was due to expire next summer.

Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson originally pursued a deal for the player before his move to Madrid, and Jose Mourinho was also keen to sign the defender during his time at Old Trafford.

“I’m absolutely delighted that we have managed to secure one of the best defenders in the world over the last 10 years,” said United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“Raphael is a proven winner who we have tracked over a long period of time and we know just how much of a dedicated professional he is.

“We have great depth of international defenders and he will add his immense skill set and leadership to that group. He is a unique defender with a rare combination of top-level attributes that I know will rub off on our younger players.

“He has won everything there is to win but I know that he is still determined to succeed. I can’t wait to welcome him into the squad.”

Varane is United’s third signing of this transfer window, following the £73m arrival of England winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund and the re-signing of goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

He is expected to partner Harry Maguire at the centre of the United defence, where other options include Sweden international Victor Lindelof and Ivory Coast’s Eric Bailly, who signed a new contract in April.

It is understood the clubs have agreed an initial fee of £34m, which could rise to £42m, and that Varane, 28, has agreed terms on a four-year contract with the option for another 12 months.

United said the transfer would be completed “subject to a medical and to player terms being finalised”.

Varane, a World Cup winner with France, has made 360 appearances for Real.

“Real Madrid wants to show all its affection to Raphael Varane and his family and wishes him good luck in this new stage of his professional career,” the club said in a statement.

“Our club thanks you for your professionalism and exemplary behaviour during the 10 seasons in which you defended our shirt.”

Varane, who has 79 caps, will become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s third signing in this transfer window – following the re-signing of goalkeeper Tom Heaton and the £73m arrival of England winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

BBC Sport understands Varane will quarantine before having his medical, after which he will complete his move.

United, who agreed a fee with Real on Monday, have been long-term admirers of Varane, whose contract was due to expire next summer.

Former boss Sir Alex Ferguson originally pursued a deal for the player before his move to Madrid, and Jose Mourinho was also keen to add the defender to his squad during his time at Old Trafford.

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Sky Sports said the fee would rise to 41 million pounds ($56.64 million) including add-ons for World Cup-winner Varane, who has one year remaining on his contract at Real.

The 28-year-old has featured over 350 times for the Spanish club, winning three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies since joining them in 2011 from French side Lens.

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He lifted the World Cup with France in 2018, and played in all four of their games at this year’s European Championship as they were eliminated by Switzerland in the last 16.

Last week, England winger Jadon Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth 85 million euros ($100.33 million).

They will begin their Premier League campaign on Aug. 14 against Leeds United at Old Trafford.

The 13-times European champions will be without both first-choice central defenders for the game against Liverpool with Sergio Ramos already sidelined due to a calf injury he picked up on international duty with Spain.

The pair will probably also both miss the second leg at Anfield next Wednesday, April 14, with Varane now having to undergo a period of self-isolation.

Zinedine Zidane is set to field Spaniard Nacho Fernandez alongside Brazilian Eder Militao at the heart of his defence in the first leg, which is a repeat of the 2018 Champions League final which Real won 3-1.

Zidane hinted over the weekend that Eden Hazard could be fit after a hip injury but the former Chelsea man was not named in the Spaniards’ squad.