Fabio: Twin Split Has Helped

Queens Park Rangers full-back Fabio admits it has been difficult to adapt to life away from his twin but thinks it is better for them to be at different clubs.

The Da Silva brothers joined Manchester United in 2008 but Fabio decided to move on last summer in search of regular football and joined QPR on a season-long loan deal.

Fabio reckons the change has helped both himself and Rafael, as they can now concentrate on their own games.

He explained in The Independent: "Now we have split, it's better. I tell you, when me and him play together we look at each other. When I make a mistake I'm not saying he feels - he doesn't lose confidence but he gets less [diminished] a little bit.

"Now [this season] when he plays and he has a good game and another good game he gets confidence. When I was there sometimes I was not playing or not playing well. Maybe he feels that I am down... because we lived together [in Manchester].

"Sometimes when he plays he is happy. Sometimes when I play I am happy. Now we are getting more mature. He is there. I am here."

Fabio added: "We discuss everything together. He knew I wanted to leave United to play more games. To play consistently. He agrees with me. He thinks it's good for me to leave United to play more football. I enjoy it.

"I know it hasn't been a good season for Queen's Park Rangers but I try to improve and to help."