Saturday, 20th September, 2014
Rafael da Silva admits he is sad to have seen a number of team-mates leave Manchester United over the course of the summer, but happy he has stayed put.
A number of Rafael's defensive colleagues departed Old Trafford in the summer, with long-serving trio Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra all heading for pastures new.
It has meant Rafael operating with new defenders in Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw – and the Brazilian has a sense of sadness at the departures, combined with relief that he has survived the cull.
"I am glad but sad because a lot of friends have left", he told his club's site.
"I am glad I am still here.
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"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."
The 24-year-old, who is a fan favourite, joined Manchester United from Brazilian outfit Fluminense in 2008, along with his brother Fabio.
Fabio spent the 2012/13 campaign on loan at QPR, before joining Cardiff City on a permanent basis in January this year.
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