Raphinha has admitted that he was set on joining Barcelona this summer, claiming that no other offer could have come close to his "dream" move.
For much of 2022, it was anticipated that the winger would join Barça from Leeds United, with the Blaugrana planning a bargain deal in the event that the Whites were demoted from the Premier League.
Raphinha scored the game-winning goal in Leeds' crucial 2-1 victory at Brentford on the final day of the 2021/22 season, allowing them to survive, and as a result, the price was increased.
Despite a competing €65 million offer from Chelsea and interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, Barcelona was always certain that Raphinha would be theirs.
However, the Brazilian international claimed that joining Barcelona was his only priority in an interview with La Vanguardia.
Raphinha responded, "Yes, I turned down a proposition from Chelsea because my desire was to wear the Barcelona shirt, a team I have supported since I was very little. since the arrival of Ronaldinho. Together with him, I made some progress in my understanding of the club's past. I desired to take part in this.
“So that dream, those desires were stronger than any other proposal no matter how powerful it was financially.”
Raphinha scored his first goal for Barcelona in their 3-0 win at Sevilla last weekend, though he has not yet made his Champions League debut after remaining an unused substitute against Viktoria Plzen in midweek.