Manchester United full-back Rafael has revealed that the time away from his twin brother Fabio had a positive effect on him.
The formerly inseparable twins spent the whole of last season apart as Fabio was loaned to QPR while Rafael picked up the Premier League trophy with United.
Rafael has now revealed that, while the move was difficult for the pair, it proved beneficial in the long term.
“When my brother went to QPR, people around the club behaved in a different way towards me,” Rafael told PA sport.
“Before they tended not to talk that much. Maybe they felt intimidated because we were always together.
“Last year they started to talk to me. It was different. It helped me a lot.”
The Brazilian twins have been reunited this season and are part of United’s pre-season tour squad.
However, they realise that one day they may have to permanently ply their trade at separate clubs.
“When we first came to Manchester we said it was brilliant but we knew it wouldn’t last forever and that one day we will have to play in different places,” said Fabio.
“It is not made easier because we play in the same position. Unless I play on the left we can’t play at the same time. That is always going to create a problem.”
Rafael added: “Gary and Phil Neville did it. They played together at Manchester United for a long time but then Phil left and went to play for Everton.”
Picture courtesy of WikiCommons, with thanks.
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