Rafael confirms Manchester United exit on Twitter

Rafael da Silva has confirmed his Manchester United exit on social media ahead of a proposed move to Lyon.

The Brazilian thanked the club and their fans for their support over his eight-year stay with the Red Devils, as well as the United Kingdom at large and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

In the posts on his official Twitter account, he said: "I want to thank Manchester United fans for all the love during those 8 years.

"Since I signed with the club I lived incredible moments. Thank you @ManUtd FC. I also want to thank all employees who always treated me with great affection and gave me greater attention. Now it's a new path, a new challenge, God bless me!"

The right-back failed to hold down a starting spot under Louis van Gaal and has been linked with a move to French side Lyon over the past month.