Barcelona star Raphinha has revealed why he turned down a move to Chelsea three years ago ahead of his team’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian, valued at €90m (£79m) by Transfermarkt, joined Barca from Leeds United in 2022, with the Catalan club paying £55m for the winger.
Raphinha has shined since his switch to La Liga, helping Barca clinch two Spanish top-flight titles and the Copa del Rey.
The 28-year-old, labelled ‘very important’ and a ‘leader’ by Barca boss Hansi Flick, was crowned La Liga Player of the Season last term.
But things could’ve been very different for Raphinha, who had an offer on the table from Chelsea when he was at Leeds before he rejected the move.
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Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Barca, Raphinha has explained the reason for snubbing the west London side.
Raphinha: I knew Chelsea were interested
‘Ever since my last match with Leeds, I knew there was a chance to wear the Barcelona shirt,’ Raphinha said.
‘I also knew Chelsea were interested, but I had a dream I needed to fulfil, and I gave 100 per cent to make it happen.
‘I shut my eyes to the other clubs that wanted me. I had a dream, and I did everything I could to play for Barcelona.’
Flick ‘really happy’ to have Raphinha back
Raphinha made his return from a hamstring injury on Saturday after two months out.
Flick is delighted to have Raphinha back – but says he won’t rush the player and will make a late call over how long he’ll feature against Chelsea.
‘Step-by-step with Rapha,’ the Barca boss said. ‘For me, the most important thing is that he is back.
‘About the minutes and how long he will play we will decide. He got an injury two times and it is not good in this step, and we take care.
‘I am really happy to have him back. He only played a few minutes on Saturday, but we saw the difference.
‘He creates space for us with and without the ball. It’s good to see him back.’
Raphinha has conjured up 57 goals and 53 assists for Barca across 152 games in all competitions to date.