Da Silva twins reveal Arsenal snub

By Gregg Davies
published

Manchester United’s Brazilian brothers Fabio and Rafael da Silva have revealed they turned down the chance to join Arsenal. The teenage twins both started the Red Devils' FA Cup semi-final defeat to Everton at Wembley on Sunday, and have been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Gary and Phil Neville in becoming first-team regulars at Old Trafford. However, the 18-year olds have revealed that they had the opportunity to join both Arsenal and Real Madrid two years ago, only to snub both moves in favour of joining Sir Alex Ferguson's outfit.

“Arsenal were interested and we also spoke to Madrid. But we chose United because they worked very hard and everyone knows them," said left-back Fabio, who made only his second appearance for the Reds on Sunday.

“And Alex has always been very supportive of us. He likes to know what people are like, both on and off the field.”

While right-back Rafael, who has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season - scoring once - and received a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, admitted that Rio Ferdinand has played a vital role in helping them settle in at the home of the English, European and World champions.

“Rio is a great friend of ours. He has been great. He’s the biggest joker of them all,” he said.

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Gregg Davies
Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.