Rafael's Olympic Dream

Rafael is dreaming of Brazilian gold at this summer’s Olympics – once the business of chasing silverware with Manchester United is done and dusted.

The Reds right-back recently told ManUtd.com he’d love to represent Brazil at the London 2012 games, especially as some of the football action is to be staged at his home from home in Manchester.

“I hope we can both play for Brazil at the Olympics,” said Rafael, bringing his twin brother Fabio into the story.

“I really want to play. It’s in England, the semi-final is at Old Trafford... that would be amazing.”

For a country that has won five World Cups, you might expect the Olympics to be a low priority. But Rafael insists Brazil are hungry for their first gold medal at the Games – an ambition which might be fuelled in part by back-to-back triumphs for rivals Argentina with players like Lionel Messi (at Beijing 2008) and Gabriel Heinze (at Athens 2004).

“In Brazil people talk a lot about the Olympics,” Rafael admitted.

“Brazil have won the World Cup, we’ve won the Copa America, but the only title we’ve never won is the Olympics.

“This competition means a lot and I’d love to be part of a Brazilian team that made history.”