Brazilian joins the club on a four-year deal
Ligue 1 side Lyon have announced the signing of Manchester United defender Rafael on a four-year-contract.
The right-back has seen opportunities extremely limited at Old Trafford since the arrival of Louis Van Gaal, and his course was done no favours following the signing of Matteo Darmian from Torino.
This left the Brazilian even further down the pecking order, but a move to the French side will look to rediscover the form that once made him a success during Sir Alex Ferguson‘s time at United.
Lyon Statement
“Rafael is the third new player hired by Lyon this summer after Jeremy Morel and Claudio Beauvue,” said the club in a statement.
“Lyon are also making every effort to secure the services of another international player in the coming days.”
Rafael joined United back in 2008 as an 18 year-old which also saw his twin brother, Fabio, join the club, however, they have both now left Manchester following the latter’s move to Cardiff City last year.
After the move was announced, Rafael posted a moving tribute to his former-club on his official Facebook account.
Rafael Statement
“Thank you @ManUtd FC. I also want to thank all employees who always treated me with great affection and gave me greater attention.
“Thank you United Kingdom, I learned a lot in this country, as a player, and no doubt as a human being, lessons that I will keep for the rest of my life.
“Thank you Sir Alex Ferguson for always believing in my work and for all the doors that you opened up to me. Now it’s a new path, a new challenge, God bless me!”
