Ex-Man United defender Rafael joins Botafogo

Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-09 08:25:25|Editor: huaxia

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Former Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva has agreed to join Botafogo on a free transfer after parting ways with Turkey's Basaksehir, the Brazilian club said on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old will be tied to the club he supported as a child until December 2023, according to a statement published on Botafogo's official website.

"It is with great satisfaction that we make this childhood dream a reality, bringing to our club not only a passionate Botafogo supporter, but a top level player," club president Durcesio Mello said.

Rafael is due to arrive in Rio de Janeiro in the coming days and will begin training with his new teammates next week.

The right-back has not played in Brazil since signing with Manchester United alongside his twin brother Fabio at the age of 17.

Rafael made 170 appearances for the Red Devils before joining Lyon in 2015 and then Basaksehir in 2020.

Botafogo, one of Brazil's most traditional clubs, currently play in the Serie B, having been relegated for only the third time in their history last year. Enditem

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