FC Barcelona might have to thank Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar Jr. for the arrival of Raphinha.
In an interview with Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia (h/t talkSPORT), the former Leeds United star shared details about his transfer to the La Liga club.
The Brazilian revealed that a conversation with Neymar persuaded him to snub Chelsea and join Barcelona this summer.
“I rejected Chelsea because my dream was to wear the Barcelona shirt,” Raphinha said. “I talked to Neymar about a move and he told me that if I get to Barcelona then I won’t regret and he was right.”
A transfer to Chelsea seemed likely with a contract agreed upon, but eventually, Raphinha would make his move to the Camp Nou in an agreement worth around £55million.
Neymar spent the first four years of his European career with the Spanish club, so the 30-year-old spoke from experience to his compatriot about his time in Barcelona.
Raphinha might have made the right decision heading to Spain rather than joining Chelsea, considering the Spanish club has hit the ground running this 2022-23 season.
Meanwhile, The Blues sacked manager Thomas Tuchel on Thursday. Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Graham Potter has been hired to turn the slow start around to get the team contending in UEFA Champions League and at least a top-four finish.
