Olympic Final Backlash Made A Man Of Rafael

Manchester United’s Rafael has admitted the backlash from his showing in Brazil’s loss to Mexico in the finals of the 2012 Olympic game helped him mature.

Brazil were beaten 2-1 by Mexico in a game that saw Rafael err for Mexico’s opener as well as get into a heated argument with defender Juan following another mistake, before being subbed off.

Singled out for blame by the Brazilian FA, Rafael has bounced back to star for Manchester United this season and the 22 year old admits that some of the stick he took following that game has been a catalyst.

Speaking to Globoesporte, Rafael said:

“Everybody says that you grow in defeat.

“Surely, that’s what happened to me.

“After the final, I heard a lot of things that I did not want to hear again. So after that I was more mature and evolved.”