A right-back, he was awarded a three-year contract with Fluminense in July 2006, a maximum length for players under 18. Without playing in the first team, he signed for Manchester United in February 2007 from Fluminense. He will remain at Fluminense until he turns 18, due to FIFA restricted international transfer for U18, when he and his twin brother, Fábio, will move to Manchester.[citation needed] It was reported January 17th that Fabio and his brother Rafael will make a move to Manchester United with the rest of their family. This is the result of a series of trips taken every three months to Old Trafford. However, neither will be able to legally play until reaching the age of 18 this summer.