Raphinha admits rejecting Chelsea to follow Barcelona ‘dream’

Raphinha has revealed that he was decided to seal a switch to Barcelona this summer time, insisting no different supply might have in comparison with his ‘dream’ transfer.

The winger was closely anticipated to go away Leeds United for Barça for a lot of 2022, with the Blaugrana lining up a cut-price deal within the occasion that the Whites have been relegated from the Premier League.

Nevertheless, Leeds managed to outlive on the ultimate day of the 2021/22 season, with Raphinha scoring of their decisive 2-1 win at Brentford, and so the asking worth was raised.

Barcelona have been at all times assured of touchdown Raphinha regardless, although a rival €65m supply from Chelsea and curiosity from Arsenal and Tottenham threatened to derail their pursuit.

However in an interview with La Vanguardia, the Brazil worldwide stated his sole focus was on becoming a member of Barcelona.

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When requested if he turned down a proposal from Chelsea, Raphinha replied: “Sure, as a result of my dream was to put on the Barcelona shirt, which is a membership that I’ve adopted since I used to be very younger. Since Ronaldinho arrived. With him I started to know a bit of extra the historical past of the membership. I wished to be part of this.

“In order that dream, these wishes have been stronger than every other proposal irrespective of how highly effective it was financially.”

Raphinha scored his first aim for Barcelona of their 3-0 win at Sevilla final weekend, although he has not but made his Champions League debut after remaining an unused substitute towards Viktoria Plzen in midweek.