Raphinha explains why Bielsa can get best out of him after joining Leeds

Raphinha -pic via LUFC.com

New Leeds signing Raphinha has vowed to become a small part of the club’s history after sealing a deadline day move.

Raphinha joined Leeds from Rennes for a reported fee of €17m, signing a four-year contract. It will be his first experience of the Premier League after previously playing in Brazil, Portugal and France.

The 23-year-old capped off a busy summer transfer window for Leeds, who are transitioning back into top flight football after winning promotion last season.

Raphinha, who plays as a winger or a forward, is excited to have his first chance in England – and also highlighted how important Marcelo Bielsa was in his decision to choose Leeds.

“I feel really satisfied and happy with the opportunity and trust the club has shown in me,” Raphinha told LUTV.

“I believe I can show my game and show the club my work and why they believed in me.

“I’m really happy to be here and I hope to, even in a small part, write my name in the club’s history.

“Together with my happiness, the happiness of the fans with my signing and the directors, I think we can all be happy together.

“It made me really happy the club were interested in my football and my work and I believe like any other player, you immediately want to come and play in the Premier League, the best league in the world.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League, I dreamed of playing in this championship where all the best players play, so it is a dream come true to be here in the Premier League.

“Before I came here I’d spoken to other players about Marcelo Bielsa and they told me he is a really demanding coach, which is something I like.

“I like working with demanding coaches who can really get the best out of me, so it is an absolute pleasure to be here and getting to work with him.”

 

‘Enchanted by the style of play’

Leeds have already made a bright start after their promotion back to the Premier League. They pushed champions Liverpool close in their first game, and most recently claimed a draw against the previous league winners, Manchester City.

Raphinha says he watched both those games, and immediately grew fond of Leeds’ style.

“I watched Leeds play against Liverpool and Manchester City and I was enchanted with the style of play,” he continued.

“It’s a team which always plays on the front foot, attacking football looking for goals and chasing the victory.

“It’s a really good team with very high quality and it had a big influence on my decision.

“I’m the type of player who looks to bring joy onto the field, I like to have fun on the pitch, the fans can expect a happy player who gives his all and battles until the very end to seek a positive result.”

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