Reading FC goalkeeper has officially terminated his contract and returned to his native Brazil where he will be joining Cruzeiro, the Royals have announced.
After signing in 2019, Rafael quickly established himself as a key component of the team, winning the club's Player of the Season award in his first campaign. He then went on to keep 17 clean sheets in 2020/21.
But this season he has seen his spot taken by academy graduate Luke Southwood after suffering a hand injury in September.
The 31-year old said recently that he'd be happy to terminate his Reading deal in a move that would suit both parties, Rafael able to search for first-team football and the Royals able to get his wages off their books.
Speculation of his imminent departure then grew when Reading recalled young goalkeepers Jokull Andresson and James Holden form their respective loan spells at Morecambe and Maidenhead beforee Rafael was completely left out of the squad for this past weekend's trip to Middlesbrough.
In total, the Brazilian made 98 appearances for the club, his final one being the thoroughly disappointing 2-1 defeat to Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup.
Concluding the announcemnet, Reading wished Rafael good luck, saying:
"We would like to thank Rafael for his hard work and professionalism during his time at Reading Football Club and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career."
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