Raphinha admits Ronaldinho ‘influenced’ decision to join Barcelona

Raphinha has admitted that watching Ronaldinho star for Barcelona within the 2000s made him need to emulate his very best in enjoying for the Blaugrana.

The winger accomplished his transfer to Camp Nou on Friday, turning down the advances of Chelsea with a view to seal a transfer from Leeds United to Catalonia. Arsenal had been additionally taken with his signature.

Talking at his unveiling ceremony, Raphinha revealed that his love of Ronaldinho actually had an affect on the place he needed to go after leaving Elland Highway.

“I began watching Barça when Ronaldinho got here right here. All the things that he achieved right here undoubtedly influenced my choice to return. I all the time needed to return right here,” Raphinha mentioned.

“I used to be all the time hoping that sooner or later I’d be capable of realise my dream since I used to be a child, to type a part of a workforce like Barça. All of us have our other ways of enjoying after all so I am very completely different [from Ronaldinho].”

Ronaldinho joined Barcelona from PSG in the summertime of 2003 after membership president Joan Laporta – then in his first spell in cost – promised to ship a marquee signing, with David Beckham and Thierry Henry additionally thought of by the Bluagrana.

The Brazilian legend gained two La Liga titles and the membership’s second ever Champions League with Barcelona, whereas he additionally claimed the 2005 Ballon d’Or.

This text was initially printed on 90min as Raphinha admits Ronaldinho ‘influenced’ decision to join Barcelona.

Supply: www.90min.com