Former Leeds United winger Raphinha has described scoring the winning goal against Real Madrid in Las Vegas as a “unique sensation”.
Raphinha joined FC Barcelona from Leeds for a fee in excess of £50m plus a further £5m in add-ons on 15 July and has made an impressive start to his spell with the Spanish heavyweights.
The Brazilian international bagged a debut goal and two assists in a 6-0 drubbing of Inter Miami and built on that with an incredible long-range winner in the El Clasico.
After just two games, Raphinha has made a real impression, and he hopes that it’ll be the first of many goals against Barcelona’s fiercest rivals.
READ NEXT: Leeds United's player-by-player pre-season minutes and who needs more vs Cagliari
“Being a Clasico, it was a unique sensation,” Raphinha told Mundo Deportivo. “It’s difficult to try to explain the feelings that end up going through your head. But scoring in a Clasico made me feel very happy. I hope it will be the first of many goals in the Clasico.”
Raphinha is also not short of inspirations at the Camp Nou. Some of the club’s greatest players have hailed from Brazil with the likes of Ronaldinho, Romario, Deco and Neymar shining for the club. And Barcelona’s latest South American star is also hoping to follow in their footsteps.
“Ronaldinho is from the same city and neighbourhood as me,” Raphinha revealed. “He is a close friend of the family and was a great footballer. He is a great person who inspired me a lot.
“Then when Neymar started at Santos I also saw myself with a style of play very similar to his. After he ended up going to Barcelona, I also became a fan because it was already a club that I admired because of Ronaldo, Deco and Romario.
“They are a great reference for me and that’s why I want to try and get as close to their story as possible.”
READ NEXT:
Change aplenty at Leeds United Women as Rick Passmoor returns for second spell with club
Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha's classy messages to Leif Davis as defender departs Leeds United
Leeds United close in on new U21s boss as former England coach linked
De Ketelaere, Terrier, Kalimuendo, Harrison, Bate and Leeds United transfers state of play
Leeds United confirm departure of defender to League One side Ipswich Town
