Raphinha has revealed his reason for rejecting Chelsea was because of his "dream" to play for Barcelona.
The Blues agreed a £55million fee with Leeds United for the 25-year-old, but Barcelona then entered proceedings. Raphinha then chose the Catalan club over a switch to west London – and he has now broken his silence on his decision.
"Rejecting an offer from Chelsea? Yes, because my dream was to wear the Barca shirt," he said to La Vanguardia. "I followed them since I was young, since Ronaldinho arrived. I wanted to be a part of it.
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"The desire was stronger than any other proposal, no matter how powerful it was financially. I knew that I might have some difficulties to come and to be registered. But I was also aware of the effort the club was making.
"So I decided to trust and adapt to the economic conditions that existed. I was born in La Restinga, a very poor neighbourhood in Porto Alegre. I had a very poor childhood, so to speak.
"But my family taught me that humility and values are much more important than material things and that has saved me on many occasions."
Chelsea ended up signing Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as their new attackers following the failed move for Raphinha. Thomas Tuchel was very keen on the Brazilian at the time, but the German was unable to get his man.
Fortunately for the Blues, Sterling has started really well at Stamford Bridge. So far, the England international has scored three goals in the Premier League, which makes him the side's top scorer in the division.
There's so much more to come, though, from the former Manchester City man. Meanwhile, Aubameyang is yet to feature for Chelsea in the Premier League but did so show glimpses of what he can offer the team on his debut earlier in the week against Dinamo Zagreb.
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