Reading FC goalkeeper Rafael Cabral has exited the club after cancelling his contract to join Brazilian side Cruzerio.
The shotstoppers contract was due to expire in the summer, however the player and the club have mutually agreed to terminate his deal.
Rafael joined the Berkshire club on a free transfer in the summer of 2019 from Sampdoria and consolidated his place as the first-team goalkeeper since his arrival.
He has gone on to make 89 league appearances for the club and was awarded as Reading’s player of the season for the 2019/20 campaign.
He began the current season as the first choice keeper, but has since lost his place to academy graduate Luke Southwood after the Brazilian initially lost his spot after suffering a hand injury.
But Veljko Paunovic has opted to stick with Southwood despite Rafael’s quick recovery from injury after several impressive displays.
Rafael’s final appearance came in the Royals’ disastrous FA Cup third-round exit to Kidderminster Harriers.
A ststament on the Reading FC website reads: “We would like to thank Rafael for his hard work and proffesionalism during his time at Reading Football Club and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”
