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Manchester United Youngster Rafael Da Silva: Playing Against Ronaldinho Was My Biggest Test Yet
Defender thrilled to face a Brazilian idol...
| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £18.33 | Draw £35.00 | Liverpool £42.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £18.00 | Draw £33.00 | Liverpool £38.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £18.33 | Draw £36.00 | Liverpool £43.33 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £18.30 | Draw £36.00 | Liverpool £43.30 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £18.60 | Draw £33.00 | Liverpool £38.50 |
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Mar 12, 2010 7:31:00 PM
By Zack Wilson
Manchester United right-back Rafael Da Silva believes that facing fellow countryman Ronaldinho in the Champions League has been the biggest test so far of his young career.
Facing a player who is considered such an icon in his homeland could have overwhelmed another man, but Rafael thrived in the experience, despite his tough evening in Milan.
"Honestly, it feels like everybody in Brazil has asked me what it was like playing against him," the youngster told United newsletter Red View.
"It was magic for me, considering that Ronaldinho is a Brazilian idol. I am just a young player still learning the game, so it was a great experience coming up against a player like him.
"I’d have to say yes, he’s been one of the best players in the world for some time. He’s done a lot in his career and he is still playing at the very highest level. He is a wonderful player."
Rafael is also delighted to be enjoying more first team opportunities at Old Trafford after some frustrating recent spells out injured.
"Last year I had a lot of opportunities to play in the first team, and earlier this season I was frustrated because I started the campaign out injured," he added.
"I thought that I’d have a big chance to try to play in the team a lot this term. But now I have recovered and I’m back playing, and I feel in good shape.
Rafael's brother Fabio has found it hard to get first team chances but Rafael feels he has been unlucky to be understudy to Patrice Evra, who is so rarely injured.
Rafael remains convinced though that his brother's chance will soon come though.
"I think I was a bit luckier than my brother because Gary Neville and Wes Brown both had injuries, which meant I had a chance to show what I could do," he explained.
"Patrice Evra never gets injured – he’s like an elastic man! Fabio is a bit unlucky because of that. Last season he felt a bit frustrated because he was injured as well, but this season he feels more integrated in the squad.
"He’s doing well and I’m sure he’ll get his chance."
Facing a player who is considered such an icon in his homeland could have overwhelmed another man, but Rafael thrived in the experience, despite his tough evening in Milan.
"Honestly, it feels like everybody in Brazil has asked me what it was like playing against him," the youngster told United newsletter Red View.
"It was magic for me, considering that Ronaldinho is a Brazilian idol. I am just a young player still learning the game, so it was a great experience coming up against a player like him.
"I’d have to say yes, he’s been one of the best players in the world for some time. He’s done a lot in his career and he is still playing at the very highest level. He is a wonderful player."
Rafael is also delighted to be enjoying more first team opportunities at Old Trafford after some frustrating recent spells out injured.
"Last year I had a lot of opportunities to play in the first team, and earlier this season I was frustrated because I started the campaign out injured," he added.
"I thought that I’d have a big chance to try to play in the team a lot this term. But now I have recovered and I’m back playing, and I feel in good shape.
Rafael's brother Fabio has found it hard to get first team chances but Rafael feels he has been unlucky to be understudy to Patrice Evra, who is so rarely injured.
Rafael remains convinced though that his brother's chance will soon come though.
"I think I was a bit luckier than my brother because Gary Neville and Wes Brown both had injuries, which meant I had a chance to show what I could do," he explained.
"Patrice Evra never gets injured – he’s like an elastic man! Fabio is a bit unlucky because of that. Last season he felt a bit frustrated because he was injured as well, but this season he feels more integrated in the squad.
"He’s doing well and I’m sure he’ll get his chance."
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