RAFAEL DA SILVA will complete his switch to Lyon this week after the Ligue 1 side confirmed the defender has passed a medical and signed a four-year deal.

The Brazil international made over 150 appearances for Manchester United since arriving in 2008, but the signing of Matteo Darmian has pushed him down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

As a result he has opted to move to France, with Lyon paying an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of €3.5 million for the 25-year-old right-back.

Earlier today Rafael bid an emotional farewell to United, posting messages of thanks on Twitter.

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Rafael da Silva / Twitter Rafael da Silva / Twitter / Twitter

Rafael heads for the Old Trafford exit three years after his twin brother Fabiowas sent out on loan to QPR. Fabio returned to Manchester, but found limited opportunity under David Moyes and signed for Cardiff City in January 2014.

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