Raphinha: My dream was to come to Barcelona
Karan Tejwani
- 16 Sept 2022 13:45 BST
- 3 min read
Raphinha completed a move from Leeds United to Barcelona this summer in one of the Blaugrana’s high profile transfers of the summer.
Barcelona were busy in the transfer window, signing players like Robert
Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Marcos Alonso and more, and Raphinha was a part of it too, as the Blaugrana looked to strengthen their side.
The winger had a fine spell with Leeds United and helped them secure survival in the Premier League last season, before leaving the Yorkshire side on good terms in the transfer window.
The Brazilian winger signed on a €58 million fee, and has had a good start to life under Xavi’s guidance, with the promise of more to come.
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Raphinha speaks on Barca dream
Raphinha has previously stated his desire to play for Barcelona and admitted it was his dream to wear the red and blue of the club since he was a youngster.
In an interview with UOL Esporte, he reiterated that it was his dream, and spoke about his career thus far, including his transfer from Rennes to Leeds, which set up to the move to the Camp Nou.
“The most significant and important chapter of my career was the decision to leave France for England and Leeds United,” the Brazilian winger said about his move to England.
“It was difficult to leave like that, but it was the Premier League, the competition with so many stars that I always followed with wonder. It was a dream to play there.”
Raphinha then spoke about his dream of Barcelona, saying it was where many of his idols played and he wished to emulate them upon his move to the Catalan club.
Raphinha: "I grew up in a community where crime and drug dealing was common but I was strong to keep my focus: to be a footballer. Achieving this goal by leaving a community is a big sacrifice. But my ambition was even greater." pic.twitter.com/qf80SXx5T5
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 15, 2022
"I had a lot of offers after my spell with Leeds, but I knew exactly what I wanted. My idols growing up played for Barcelona, so my dream was to come here and I spared no expense to make it happen," he said.
Growing up, Raphinha adored Barcelona legend Ronaldinho, and wished to replicate that success in the club’s colours upon his own move, something which he can now do.
"I already spoke about my family's relationship with Ronaldinho and he is one of my idols who wore this shirt.
"I couldn't talk to him before I signed for Barça, but I'm sure he would have told me to follow my dream. My dream was to play for Barcelona," he added.
So far this season in La Liga, Raphinha has scored one goal and provided one assist in the league, while also playing in the Champions League for the first time in his career.
