Brazil defender Rafael Pereira da Silva will join Olympique Lyonnais on a four-year deal from Manchester United.
Brazilian defender Rafael Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 25-year-old right-back, who has two Brazil caps, moved to United along with his twin brother Fabio from Fluminense in 2008.
However, da Silva has fallen out of favour at the club under coach Louis van Gaal, starting just six league games last season, and he was left out of United's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, before Torino right-back Matteo Darmian joined the Old Trafford club.
He made 109 Premier League appearances and won three league titles following his debut in 2008.
The 25-year-old Tweeted: "I want to thank Manchester United fans for all the love during those eight years."
"Since I signed with the club I lived incredible moments, after all were eight years wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs of the world.
"Now it's a new path, a new challenge, God bless me!"
Lyon finished runners-up to Paris St Germain in Ligue 1 last season.
No financial details were given on the transfer.
Rafael's brother Fabio has already left United, having joined Cardiff City in January 2014.
