Rafael was a firm fans’ favourite at Manchester United and his move to French side Lyon has hit supporters hard.
It had been coming, as Louis van Gaal froze him out for the second half of last season.
Rafael’s adventurous and attacking style of play was seemingly deemed too risky for the pragmatic van Gaal and he instead preferred Antonio Valencia.
We asked our Twitter followers for their favourite memory of Rafael as he prepares for life in France:
@PeoplesPerson_ pic.twitter.com/lUFAbVin5o
— YASH KANDHARI (@YashKandhari) August 4, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ There were a lot. The goals against QPR and Liverpool stand out for me
— Mohamed Al-Mudaifa (@mohd_mudaifa) August 4, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ his rocket vs. QPR was phenomenal.
— Mahmoud (@MahmoudShehab95) August 4, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Getting sent off all the time!
— Zainul (@z4inul98) August 4, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ This one. pic.twitter.com/dAZcXy3B1j
— Beck (@Bibekhatiwada) August 4, 2015
Memorable strikes against Queens Park Rangers and Liverpool were undoubtedly the highlights for Rafael, who is United through and through.
The Brazilian was arguably United’s best player during the 2012/13 season as he flourished under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. Unfortunately, a combination of injuries and a lack of confidence have taken their toll on him. The hope is that Rafael can resurrect his career in Lyon.