What a terrible new year for the French-Brazilian setter!
The 32 year old setter has been released by his Russian club team, Iskra Odintsovo, due to unsatisfactory performance since the start of the 2012/2013 season. Rumor has it that the club owner was NOT too pleased nor too happy with Rafael’s game knowing that he was among the top paid athletes on the squad together with Canadian Gavin Schmitt.
Upon hearing the news, Rafael posted his side on Facebook last January 2nd:
“After five months of work, my club Iskra Odintsovo wants to break my contract without fault against me. The reason: overcoming the long absence of injured players and the weakness of the team.
For the coach, the solution was to recruit a foreigner spiker. It means that in my team one foreigner has to leave because in the russian championship, only two foreigners per team are allowed to play. The Canadian being the opposite, the choice is unilaterally focused on the setter.
I’m affected by this decision and the sense of injustice it entails. I want to tell that my determination to assert my rights is the height of moral, physical and sports injury I suffered.”
It’s always the setters’ fault!
From what we’ve been told, Iskra has already hired a new player to take his spot.
Anyways…
We totally understand and respect how Rafael feels towards his old team. Maybe he should go back to Poland? He was a celebrity there and at the same time was among the league’s top setter. Or maybe France?
For sure he has options. Wherever he ends up, we wish him the best!
