Manchester United transfer Rafael Da Silva to Olympique Lyonnais on a four-year deal

Brazil defender Rafael will join Olympique Lyonnais on a four-year deal from Manchester United after both clubs reached an agreement, the Ligue 1 side said on Monday.

"Olympique Lyonnais inform that they have found an agreement with Manchester United over the transfer of Brazilian international defender Rafael da Silva who will sign a four-year deal in the coming days," the club said on their official website (www.olweb.fr).

Rafael, who won two caps for Brazil, made 109 Premier League appearances and won three league titles following his debut in 2008.

"I want to thank Manchester United fans for all the love during those 8 years," Rafael, 25, said on his official twitter account.

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

"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. Now it's a new path, a new challenge, God bless me!"

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.

— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015

Thank you @ManUtd FC. I also want to thank all employees who always treated me with great affection and gave me greater attention.

— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015

Thank you United Kingdom, I learned a lot in this country, as a player, and no doubt as a human being...

— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015

lessons that I will keep for the rest of my life. Thank you Sir Alex Ferguson for always believing in my work and...

— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015

for all the doors that you opened up to me. Now it's a new path, a new challenge, God bless me!

— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) August 3, 2015

Lyon finished runners-up to Paris St Germain in Ligue 1 last season.

No financial details were given on the transfer.

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