Former Manchester United defender Fabio da Silva is leaving Nantes to return home to Brazil.

After 15 years in Europe, where he spent largely with United and Nantes, Fabio will depart Nantes in January to sign for Gremio.

Off contract in June, Nantes are happy to release Fabio six months early.

It was in January 2008 that Fabio and twin brother Rafael da Silva signed for United as teenagers.

Now 32, Fabio has agreed terms with Gremio to sign for them next month, says Ouest-France.