Raphinha excited to follow in footsteps of Brazilian greats at Barcelona

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Raphinha excited to follow in footsteps of Brazilian greats at Barcelona

Raphinha is the latest Brazilian to join Barcelona
Raphinha is the latest Brazilian to join BarcelonaReuters
Striker Raphinha (25) said that he was fulfilling a childhood dream by playing for Barcelona and following in the footsteps of fellow Brazilians such as Romario, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar.

"All my idols played and made history here so it's a huge honor and I can't thank Barca enough for giving me the chance to wear this jersey," Raphinha told a news conference after signing a contract until June 2027 with a buyout clause of a billion euros.

"I hope I can achieve half of what my idols accomplished here. It's a dream come true for me and my family. I'm going to do my best to help this club win (trophies)."

Leeds United agreed terms to sell the flamboyant 25-year-old to Barca for a reported 58 million-euro transfer fee that could be boosted to 68 million euros with add-ons.

"The beautiful game is back to Barcelona and that's very meaningful to our club," president Joan Laporta said standing beside Raphinha.

"For us, it is very exciting because all of us who have lived through Barca golden times, there has always been a Brazilian.

"Raphinha reminds us of this tradition; and he is here to pick up that baton.

"(Barca coach) Xavi... wanted to have Raphinha and we have done what we could. At all times, Raphinha has shown his desire to sign for Barca and that has been very important."

Raphinha is the third summer signing for the Catalan giants with Franck Kessie (25) and Andreas Christensen (26) both joining for free. They are rumoured with a plethora of players including Robert Lewandowski (33) in what will be a busy time for Barca.