Oxford United fans are all in agreement on the sale of fan favourite Ruben Rodrigues, as he ‘made his mark’ at the club

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Oxford United managed to defy expectations last season as they survived their first season back in the second tier of English football.

Gary Rowett’s side will be hoping for a similar outcome by the end of the 2025/26 Championship season, perhaps with less flirting with the relegation zone.

Fans will be hopeful the club are active in the transfer market this summer, helping to strengthen Rowett’s side to make them as competitive as possible as they once again battle to remain in the division.

However, fans will know that some of their squad will have to head out the door to facilitate this; one that has decided to leave is Ruben Rodrigues.

The Portuguese versatile midfielder has left the English club for the more exotic destination of Brazil, signing for Vitória, and Oxford fans have made their feelings known.

• READ MORE: Oxford United could lose player of the year to Championship rivals

Oxford United fans react to the departure of Ruben Rodrigues

Ruben Rodrigues spent the last two seasons of his career at Oxford United, scoring 13 goals across their League One promotion campaign and last year in the Championship across 86 matches.

He joined the club after four seasons at Notts County, and now Oxford United fans have taken to social media to let their feelings be known about his departure.

One fan was saddened by the news, as they said: “Good luck, Rubes. You’ve written yourselves into OUFC‘s never-to-be-forgotten history with your magic at Wembley and the celebrations that followed. Massive player in our promotion season, thank you!”

Another fan shared this sentiment as they said: “Good luck, Ruben; you made your mark at Oxford & we will remember you for that.”

While many fans spoke about his significant impact on the club, as one said: “Very best of luck, Ruben, I will never forget the last two seasons and how pivotal his role in midfield was – two arrowed assists in the playoff final which will live in our history forever. Thanks again.”

There were a couple of fans who believed this may be the best for both him and the club, not seeing him being part of the club moving forward.

One fan said: “It’s not what we would have wanted, but it’s a great move for him, and considering our squad size, we have to make these hard decisions.”

However, the overwhelming sentiment was one of best wishes as they bid farewell to a fan favourite, as one fan simply said: “Thank you Ruben.”

Ruben Rodrigues’ impact on Oxford United

While the 28-year-old only spent two seasons at the club, he was part of a monumental moment as Oxford won promotion through the play-offs by beating favourites for promotion, Bolton Wanderers, in the final 2-0.

Rodrigues played a pivotal role in that final as he got the two assists.

In the Championship last season, he was not as influential as he had been in League One but still managed to help the club achieve its aim of surviving in the division.

Oxford fans are appreciative of everything the Portuguese midfielder gave to the club and have wished him all the best as he moves to the top flight of Brazilian football.