Former Leeds United winger Raphinha was convinced to turn down a transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea in favour of a "dream" move to Barcelona after a chat with fellow Brazilian Neymar.
The 25-year-old joined the Camp Nou titans in July for a fee in the region of £55million despite significant interest from the Blues and their London rivals Arsenal. Raphinha's 11 Premier League goals were crucial to Leeds avoiding relegation last season and he has started decently for Barca with a goal and an assist from his first five La Liga appearances.
As is the case for many Brazilian footballers, playing at Camp Nou represents the pinnacle of a career and Raphinha joins a long list of past and present Selecao stars who have pulled on the famous Blaugrana jersey. Neymar is one of the greatest players to represent the club, spending four trophy and goal-laden seasons in Catalonia.
The 30-year-old scored 105 times in 186 appearances for Barca to help them win six major honours, including the continental treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Champions League in 2015. Raphinha will hope to replicate his compatriot's success with the club and has opened up on the conversation he had with Neymar which prompted him to turn down Chelsea, despite a fee for the transfer reportedly being agreed.
"I talked to Neymar about a move and he told me that if I get to Barcelona then I won't regret and he was right," he told Spanish outlet La Vanguardia. "I rejected Chelsea because my dream was to wear the Barcelona shirt."
Raphinha has been moved by the reception he has received from the Camp Nou faithful, who were delighted to secure the services of one of Europe's most in-demand forwards. He added: "What surprised me in the club? Without a doubt the warm welcome of the fans, the coaching staff and the players, everyone is good and looking to help the new players."
Did Raphinha make the right decision by snubbing a transfer to Chelsea? Have your say in the comments!
Raphinha's arrival means Barcelona manager Xavi is blessed with a multitude of options in attack, with Robert Lewandowski also joining this summer. The likes of Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele, Memphis Depay and Ferran Torres are also competing for minutes up front.
While Neymar played his part in Raphinha choosing to join Barca, Xavi's own intervention helped get the deal over the line. "He called me when I had practically decided to come," Raphinha said of the Spain legend.
"I ended up even more excited. He asks me what he was already doing in Leeds but with more tactics and without fear of finishing plays. He also teaches me to know what I have to do technically and tactically to help the team both offensively and defensively."
