Pranav Nair
Leeds United ace Raphinha rules out Manchester United switch
Speaking to Brazilian outlet UOL Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News), Leeds United winger Raphinha has weighed in on interest from Manchester United.
The Brazilian ace has been one of the brightest players for Marcelo Bielsa’s side this season. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful debut season in England, scoring 8 goals and making 11 assists in 38 appearances. (h/t Transfermarkt)
His performances have also attracted the attention of our arch-rivals, Liverpool. The player however looks set to stay on at Elland Road.
Raphinha admitted his pride in being courted by teams who he grew up watching. Not every player gets the attention of England’s two biggest clubs and Raphinha has every reason to be proud.
“I grew up watching these teams on television. I saw Rooney, Van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo.”
The player however is happy at Leeds and has no intention of leaving. He admits that it was the Yorkshire side who gave him the opportunity and he has struck up a good relationship with the fans.
“I have a contract for another four years and I don’t even think about leaving here for exactly this reason: I’m happy and I’m making others happy.”
An elder brother at United!
The Brazilian also opened up on his relationship with United star Bruno Fernandes. The duo spent one season together at Sporting Lisbon in 2018/19.
They struck up a good partnership, notching up an impressive tally of 39 goals and 23 assists combined. (h/t The Sun)
“Bruno Fernandes played with me for a year that seemed like many more at Sporting. He became almost an older brother.”
Raphinha revealed that the duo is still in touch with the United star occupying the role of an elder brother. He went on to add that they talk every day.
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It is quite rare for a Leeds ace to move to United given the rivalry between both sides. The last player to move to Old Trafford from Elland Road was Alan Smith in 2004.
