Former Manchester United star Rafael da Silva took off his boots and put an end to his career, which lasted for 16 years. He not only helped Bautista to win the Copa Libertadores and the Barclays Premier League this season, but also bid farewell to the fans with a perfect gesture.
The 34-year-old Brazilian star, who used to play for the Fominis youth academy, joined his twin brother Fabio da Silva at Manchester United in the summer of 2008. During his time at United, Rafael da Silva's right-sided breakthroughs were a highlight for the Red Devils, contributing five goals in 170 games, winning the Premier League title three times and the World Championship once.
In 2015, Rafael da Silva moved to Ligue 1 Lyon, and after a brief stint with Turkey's Başakşuşi, returned to his homeland in 2021 to join Bautista Flower B. Over the course of three years, he played alongside the team, co-creating the Copa Libertadores and Barclays Premier League double.
Nonetheless, Rafael da Silva eventually decided to end his soccer career due to frequent injuries and his inability to adapt to the high intensity of the game.
