Former Leeds United winger Raphinha has opened up on the reasons behind why he held off the advances of Chelsea in favour of a move to Barcelona in the summer. The Brazilian was in the centre of a huge transfer battle during the window but was intent on sealing a switch to the Camp Nou.
Arsenal were the first side to make an official bid for him, but it was Chelsea who jumped in to agree a deal with Leeds. Raphinha, though, was in no hurry to move to Stamford Bridge and sat tight until Barcelona were able to do the same.
That did not come without its difficulties with it taking well over two weeks for Barcelona to submit an offer that met Leeds’ asking price. But Raphinha’s patience was rewarded and he eventually sealed his move in mid-July.
READ MORE: Leeds United's Charlie Cresswell says Millwall loan spell already doing him 'world of good'
It has not taken the 25-year-old to show his quality in a Barcelona shirt, as he aims to follow in the footsteps of Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Neymar, who both spoke to him about a move to Catalan. In an interview La Vanguardia, Raphinha revealed that Barcelona are a club he followed as a youngster which is the reason he was so keen to play for the club.
He said: “My dream was to wear the Barcelona shirt, which is a club that I have followed since I was very young. Since Ronaldinho arrived.
“With him I began to understand a little more the history of the club. I wanted to be a part of this. So that dream, those desires were stronger than any other proposal no matter how powerful it was financially.
“Ronnie congratulated me through my father. Yes, I talk a lot with Neymar. He told me that if he came here he would not regret it. He is right.”
READ NEXT:
· Go here for all the latest Leeds United news
· When Leeds United's clash with Nottingham Forest could be played after postponement
· Leeds United's kind-hearted gesture following postponed Nottingham Forest clash
· FSA's disappointment on 'opportunity missed' following Leeds United postponement
· Leeds United's touching Thorp Arch tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
