Manchester United's former Brazilian right back Rafael opted to donate his wages to charity while enduring a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury at French club Lyon.
According toL'Equipe, the 26-year old gave a full wage packet to a charity associated with the club, the OL foundation.
The money went towards a robot that allows hospitalised children to communicate with players on match-days. It will be used in the dressing room and on the side of the pitch to provide a unique form of entertainment.
CLASS: Former-@ManUtd defender Rafael donated all of his wages to charity whilst he was injured for Lyon. Respect � pic.twitter.com/14nGgtepSv
Rafael toldL'Equipe:I like to play and to be paid for doing that. But I wasn't playing.I'm happy to have done that for the kids, but it was good for me too, it helped me."
Initially, Rafael asked the Lyon board if it was possible to withhold his wages until his return from injury, but they denied on legal grounds.He then thought of the idea of giving his wages to the charity, clearly not feeling he warranted the money while not in action.
Rafael left Manchester United in 2015 having joined the club at the age of 18 in 2008. He made 169 appearances for the club before Louis van Gaal's arrival saw him replaced by new signingMatteo Darmian, and eventually led to his departure.
While he was still a popular figure in Manchester, his actions in Lyon are likely to make him a fan favourite, although they will be hoping he is less charitable to his attacking opponents.