Leeds United forward Raphinha has played down an exit from Elland Road, amid rumoured about a possible move to Man Utd and Liverpool.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a stunning debut season in the Premier League, having found back of the net six times and provided nine assists for Marcelo Bielsa’s team.
His form have caught the attention of many top European teams, and a 24-year-old playmaker has revealed that it is surreal to see his name rumoured with such a big teams.
Speaking to Brazilian publishers UOL Sport, the Leeds forward admired legends of the Premier League: “It is difficult to explain how I feel when I hear speculation about giant teams like Liverpool and Manchester United being interested in signing me.
“Man, I grew up watching these teams on TV. I saw Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, but I also saw Steven Gerrard, as well as others like Thierry Henry, Deco, Frank Lampard. There are so many players of such quality that it is difficult to say if I mirrored one of them.
“I think I mirrored the league, you know? I loved watching it and dreamed of playing here. Today I’m making people happy with my football. I am not only talking about the other clubs, but also Leeds, who were the ones who took a chance on me.
“I have four years remaining on my contract and I’m not even thinking about leaving here for exactly this reason: I am happy and making others happy.”
Raphinha played 30 Premier League games for Leeds this season and helped his team to finish ninth in the Premier League table in the Whites’ first campaign back in the top flight of English football for 16 years.
