"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.
"Thank you @ManUtd FC. I also want to thank all employees who always treated me with great affection and gave me greater attention.
"Thank you United Kingdom, I learned a lot in this country, as a player, and no doubt as a human being, lessons that I will keep for the rest of my life.
"Thank you Sir Alex Ferguson for always believing in my work and for all the doors that you opened up to me. Now it's a new path, a new challenge, God bless me!"
Rafael, 25, joined United from Fluminense in 2008 and made over 100 league appearances for the club.
His brother, Fabio, arrived at Old Trafford at the same time and moved to Cardiff last year.
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