Rafael: I want to stay here forever
Reds right-back Rafael returned to the starting line-up on Sunday for the first time since March – a welcome return for one of Manchester United's most popular players...
You've been in Manchester United's first team for six years now. You're classified as being homegrown – do you feel like that?
To be honest, definitely. I came here at 15-years-old so I have to say that I feel at home here. I feel this is my home and I would have to say yes.
You also play like you love the club. Why is United special to you?
Because of everything. The club picked me up and helped me ever since I arrived here – everyone, and I would say every single person. I can never say enough about this club. It is one of the best clubs in the world, if not the best in the world.
You're obviously not from Manchester but do you feel Mancunian now?
I live here so I feel it a little bit. I know everywhere in the city and know a lot of people here.
After six years here and following the departures of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, you’re now one of the longest-serving defenders at the club…
Jonny [Evans] as well, of course. I am glad but sad because a lot of friends have left. I am glad I am still here. I want to keep going and stay here forever, if possible. It depends on me to play well, I need to play well. I just want to stay here.
Do you help the new players settle in by referring back to your arrival here?
Of course. When I first came here, I saw how a lot of players helped me – Giggsy, Scholesy and Gary Neville, even though he played in my position, he helped me a lot because he was one of the best right-backs in the world. I want to do the same when I see some young players come in. Sometimes it's difficult so my job is to try to help them.
You've mastered the language – your English is brilliant…
My English is not brilliant. It’s OK now. I can speak and you can understand what I’m saying. I couldn’t speak any English when I first arrived. Nothing. Maybe just ‘hi’ [waves] and that was it. Now I feel I can speak, maybe not properly, but how I would like to speak. Before, I saw some players arriving, foreign players, and they just cannot understand anything and I was exactly the same. Sometimes, I still want to say: ‘What are they saying?’ It’s so hard and I try to help them because I know how difficult that is.
What about your relationship with the fans? The supporters seem to appreciate your commitment and passion for United…
Yes, I have a good relationship with the fans because they are just so passionate. The fans here at Manchester United are simply so good at every game, even if we lose, they are still singing and just don’t stop singing and making noise! It makes you get emotional, you know. I love these fans.
Your enthusiasm and energy are what the fans expect of a United player – is that style of play just part of your character?
This is me. I just really love the game and I really love to win.
Were you like this as a player even before you came to Old Trafford?
I remember I used to play football with my brother Fabio on the pitch and we just used to fight each other to win the match. It was only me versus him and always like that.
Do you see yourself as part of a new era now with the new manager?
Definitely, I want to win the league again and I want us to get the winning way back. Then everything will be like it’s always been at this club.
from manutd.com