Manchester United’s Rafael da Silva says that he will look back on the year 2012 with some fond memories, arguably the best year in his career.
Rafael has started more games than any other squad member and at the start of the 2012/2013 season felt that he had matured as a player and a person.
Speaking with manutd.com he said:
“It’s been a great year for me, I feel like I have grown up a lot and that I am maturing – my daughter was born this year which has helped me a lot too. And on the pitch I have been able to play a lot of games. So I’ve had a lot of good moments not just in football but in life this year.
“Playing games week in, week out helps you feel more comfortable and confident on the pitch and I’m pleased I’ve been able to do that this season.
“I feel more experienced and like I am growing as a player and a person. I was only 18 when I first came here, I was just a boy. Some people may think I am still young and still a boy but now I feel like I am a man.”
After his brother, Fabio, left on loan to Queens Park Rangers he had to learn to be without him off the pitch, as for most of their lives they have been locked at the hip.
Not that Rafael is satisfied with his progression at the club and hopes to continue his form so that Manchester United will be victorious in competition towards the end of the season.
“My target for 2013 is like every player – we want to win trophies, when you’re at this club that has to be your focus, we all want to win. And personally I want to play as many games as I can and be consistent in my performances.
“When you get into January you know the really important time in the season is not far away and there will be big game after big game. Of course, every game is important but after Christmas they become massive matches. Hopefully we can do well.”
