Confirmed: Rafael signs four-year contract at Lyon

Rafael has left Manchester United for Lyon

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Rafael has agreed a four-year contract at Lyon.

 

The Ligue 1 club today announced Brazilian right-back Rafael will pen a deal until 2019.

He completed his medical in France today and is expected to be unveiled later this week.

"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."

 

Earlier today Rafael tweeted his thanks to United's staff and fans for his eight years associated with the club.

"I want to thank Manchester United fans for all the love during those eight years," he tweeted.

 

"Since I signed with the club I lived incredible moments, after all were 8 years wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs of the world.

"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!"

Rafael, 25, joined United from Fluminense in 2008 and made over 100 league appearances for the club.

His brother, Fabio, arrived at Old Trafford at the same time and moved to Cardiff last year.