Why Raphina turned down moves to Chelsea

Former Leeds United striker, Raphinha, in a recent statement has reiterated his decision on why he turned down a move to Chelsea this summer.

Raphinha said the decision was influenced by his desire to emulate his boyhood hero Ronaldinho.

Recall that during the summer transfer, Chelsea were one of the favourites to sign Raphinha and had reached an agreement with Leeds United for the 25-year-old.

But the Brazil star and his agent, Deco, resisted the move as he completed a move to Barcelona.

“Rejecting an offer from Chelsea? Yes, because my dream was to wear the Barca shirt,” he told La Vanguardia.

“I have followed them since I was young, since Ronaldinho arrived. I wanted to be a part of it. The desire was stronger than any other proposal, no matter how powerful it was financially.

“I knew that I might have some difficulties to come and to be registered. But I was also aware of the effort the club was making.

“So I decided to trust and adapt to the economic conditions that existed.”