Three time Manchester United title winner Rafael is set to sign with Brazilian club Botafogo.
Rafael has been a free agent for around a month after he mutually terminated his contract at Istanbul Basaksehir.
Globo report Rafael has agreed to sign with Botafogo, following days of negotiations.
Club directors and Rafael’s representatives have been in talks, while Rafael has been conversing with the club’s fans on social media.
Rafael also reportedly had offers from Internacional and Fortaleza, and accepted a deal with Botafogo with wages lower than other offers he received.
A fresh start
This will be the first time in his career Rafael has played in his homeland at club level.
United signed Rafael from Fluminense as a youngster along with brother Fabio.
Rafael enjoyed more success than Fabio at United, becoming a successful part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s first team as a successor to Gary Neville at right-back.
After leaving United in 2015 he spent five years at Lyon, before signing with Istanbul Basaksehir.
Rafael helped the Turkish side cause an upset win over United last November, winning 2-1, a result which led to the Red Devils’ group stage elimination.
The defender remains a very popular player among United fans and at 31, he has plenty more to offer still.
Twin brother Fabio is currently playing in Ligue 1 with Nantes.
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