MX23RW : Wednesday, May 1 06:32:45| >> :120:13060:13060:

Raphinha plays down exit rumours amid Liverpool, Manchester United links

Raphinha plays down exit rumours amid Liverpool, Man United links
© Reuters
Leeds United winger Raphinha plays down rumours linking him with an exit from Elland Road, amid interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Leeds United winger Raphinha has played down an exit from Elland Road, amid links with Liverpool and Manchester United.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League, having scored six goals and provided nine assists for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

His performances have caught the attention of many top European clubs, and Raphinha has admitted that it is surreal to see his name linked with such big clubs.

Speaking to Brazilian publishers UOL Sport, the Leeds attacker 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 went on to talk about his relationship with players at Liverpool and Manchester United: "It's funny that I have friends at both clubs [Liverpool and Manchester United]. Bruno Fernandes played with me for a year that seemed like many more at Sporting and he became almost like an older brother.

"We talk every day but not about football, more just our antics. Even though it's from a distance, it helps me a lot. At United there's Alex Telles. I can't even tell you how many times I have played against him, he's a tough player, but always with respect. There's Fred, who's from the south too."

Raphinha played 30 league matches for Leeds this season, and helped his side finish ninth in the Premier League in the Whites' first season back in the top flight of English football for 16 years.

ID:449223:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3733:

Click here for more stories about Raphinha

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Sevilla hero Luuk de Jong kisses the Europa League trophy following their victory over Inter Milan on August 21, 2020
Read Next:
Top five UEFA Cup/Europa League finals
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!