Barcelona star explains decision to join Blaugrana over Chelsea | OneFootball

Barcelona star Raphinha has on Monday reiterated that he didn’t think twice about turning down Chelsea, to make the move to Catalunya’s capital back in 2022.

Raphinha will for his part face off with the club whom he could very easily have joined three years ago, tomorrow night.

This comes as Barcelona prepare to make the trip to Stamford Bridge to lock horns with Chelsea.

Now one of the star performers in an all-action Blaugrana side, the 28-year-old is expected to quickly take back his starter status, once fully recovered from injury.

Had things played out a little differently, though, the excellence long showcased by Raphinha in Spain could well have come in the colours of his upcoming opponents.

Before departing Leeds for Barcelona in the summer of 2022, the gifted wide-man also had an offer on the table from Chelsea.

Drawn on his decision to turn the Blues down during a pre-match press conference on Monday, Raphinha in turn went on to explain:

“Ever since my last match with Leeds, I knew there was a chance to wear the Barcelona shirt. I also knew Chelsea were interested, but I had a dream I needed to fulfil, and I gave 100% to make it happen. I shut my eyes to the other clubs that wanted me. I had a dream, and I did everything I could to play for Barcelona.”

Conor Laird – GSFN