Raphinha will not be leaving Leeds United anytime soon with the Brazilian winger who set the Premier League on fire in his debut campaign voicing his commitment to staying put at Elland Road beyond this summer.
Liverpool had been credited with a strong interest in making a move for the Leeds United first-teamer on the back of his first season in English top-flight football where he scored six goals and registered nine assists across his 30 outings.
With Jurgen Klopp on the search for attacking reinforcements in this summer’s transfer window, talk of the Liverpool boss eyeing up a big-money move for Raphinha had gained ground.
The departure of Harry Wilson and the recent sale of Xherdan Shaqiri to Lyon further added to the rumours of the Anfield giants dipping into the market to bring in a fresh face for their attacking ranks.
Raphinha, however, has put such speculation doing the rounds to bed with his piece in The Players’ Tribune suggesting he was gearing up for another campaign in the Leeds United shirt as he expressed his gratitude to the club and fans for welcoming him.
“I’m so happy here. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms: Marcelo, the owner, the players, the staff, the fans.”
“A friend of mine sent me the song. I couldn’t understand all of it, but to get my own song really is a dream.Â
“All I could think about last season was to play in front of a packed Elland Road. Â
“It was very difficult for me to arrive to empty stadiums, because the fans were such a huge part of what made me want the Prem.
“But to all you Leeds fans, I want to say that even then I felt your love and affection. Honestly, I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the way you welcomed me to the club.Â
“As for the game against Everton last weekend, well, it was worth the wait. That noise, man. It was just like I remembered it. It was everything I hoped it would be.Â
“I already can’t wait to play in front of you guys again. You’ll cheer us on. We’ll put on a show. And I’ll do my best to make you smile.”
