If there was any slither of doubt as to how well liked Rafael was by everybody at Manchester United, the response to his departure sums it all up.
Lyon have signed themselves a fantastic person in Rafael and at 25, if he can put his injury woes behind him then he’s got the potential to have a great career in France too.
From the players and fans to the staff at Man United, Rafael’s infectious character and approach to life as a United player helped him create great friendships with a lot of people.
Almost predictably, Rafael took the time out to respond to as many people as he could as well:
I want to thank Manchester United fans for all the love during those 8 years. pic.twitter.com/1YBVEorKZq
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
Gracias me Hermano pelas palavras te quero mucho https://t.co/D67vZgUY1p
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
Good luck @orafa2 in the start of your new adventure! Top player and top professional! @ManUtd
— Phil Jones (@PhilJones4) August 3, 2015
Thanks Jonna all the best in the season πππ https://t.co/OQfI2J9S58
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
@fizzer18 thank Phil πππ
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
Thanks gemma for everything you are top Really like you. All the best https://t.co/e2y9m9MVKy
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
Gracias me Hermano do coração voy te extranar mucho também. https://t.co/q3z4YpWdsm
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
8 yrs? Took me 4 to tell the difference between you n Fab π
Good luck Raf, will miss you mate. It's been a pleasure
https://t.co/BsVMk4zjvB— Michael Carrick (@carras16) August 3, 2015
You always knew the difference between us.ππ.Thank you mate hope to see you again you are fantastic guy and player. https://t.co/buZYdJStPh
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
Thanks Mandy I will miss you too hope see you again one day and make more caipirinhas. ππ https://t.co/D0Kg3RjWBc
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
ππΌ @orafa2 pic.twitter.com/TQMYuQs6Iu
— Ben Amos (@Amos_40) August 3, 2015
Yes Ben all the best for you too sorry for the piss you have of every morning with bad jokes. Hahahha https://t.co/d6Zpdk4Ghf
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
@orafa2 good luck rafa. We will all miss you.
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) August 3, 2015
Thanks captain all the best for the season. πππ https://t.co/ioqHkrY40S
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
Good luck @orafa2 over in France!! Played his part in @ManUtd success over the last 8 years #topman
— Andrew Cole (@vancole9) August 3, 2015
Thank you for the worlds legend. πππ https://t.co/F2LTb9dQEx
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015
Rafael is a top guy and if not for his injury problems at the start of last season, then maybe he could have forced his way into Louis van Gaal‘s plans but, unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.
Losing Patrice Evra and Rafael in the space of a few years is heartbreaking as a fan but Van Gaal is ignoring sentiment in this scenario and feels that the Brazilian is not part of his plans, so he showed him the door.
Obrigado, Rafael, and good luck with Lyon.