MX23RW : Sunday, September 29 18:30:47| >> :60:1649:1649:

Raphinha plays down exit rumours amid Liverpool, Manchester United links

Raphinha plays down exit rumours amid Liverpool, Man United links
© Reuters
Leeds United winger Raphinha plays down rumours linking him with an exit from Elland Road, amid interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Leeds United winger Raphinha has played down an exit from Elland Road, amid links with Liverpool and Manchester United.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League, having scored six goals and provided nine assists for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

His performances have caught the attention of many top European clubs, and Raphinha has admitted that it is surreal to see his name linked with such big clubs.

Speaking to Brazilian publishers UOL Sport, the Leeds attacker admired legends of the Premier League: "It is difficult to explain how I feel when I hear speculation about giant teams like Liverpool and Manchester United being interested in signing me.

"Man, I grew up watching these teams on TV. I saw Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, but I also saw Steven Gerrard, as well as others like Thierry Henry, Deco, Frank Lampard. There are so many players of such quality that it is difficult to say if I mirrored one of them.

"I think I mirrored the league, you know? I loved watching it and dreamed of playing here. Today I'm making people happy with my football. I am not only talking about the other clubs, but also Leeds, who were the ones who took a chance on me.

"I have four years remaining on my contract and I'm not even thinking about leaving here for exactly this reason: I am happy and making others happy."

Raphinha went on to talk about his relationship with players at Liverpool and Manchester United: "It's funny that I have friends at both clubs [Liverpool and Manchester United]. Bruno Fernandes played with me for a year that seemed like many more at Sporting and he became almost like an older brother.

"We talk every day but not about football, more just our antics. Even though it's from a distance, it helps me a lot. At United there's Alex Telles. I can't even tell you how many times I have played against him, he's a tough player, but always with respect. There's Fred, who's from the south too."

Raphinha played 30 league matches for Leeds this season, and helped his side finish ninth in the Premier League in the Whites' first season back in the top flight of English football for 16 years.

ID:449223:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3733:

Click here for more stories about Raphinha

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Sevilla hero Luuk de Jong kisses the Europa League trophy following their victory over Inter Milan on August 21, 2020
Read Next:
Top five UEFA Cup/Europa League finals
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Rams
@
Bears
6pm
Eagles
@
Buccaneers
6pm
Steelers
@
Colts
6pm
Saints
@
Falcons
6pm
Broncos
@
Jets
6pm
Vikings
@
Packers
6pm
Bengals
@
Panthers
6pm
Jags
@
Texans
9.05pm
Patriots
@
49ers
9.05pm
Washington
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Chiefs
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Browns
@
Raiders
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool65011221015
2Manchester CityMan City6420146814
3Arsenal6420125714
4Chelsea6411157813
5Aston Villa6411129313
6Fulham632185311
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle632187111
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs6312125710
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton623110829
10Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest62316519
11Brentford6213810-27
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd621358-37
13Bournemouth512258-35
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham6123610-45
15Ipswich TownIpswich6042510-54
16Everton6114715-84
17Leicester CityLeicester6033812-43
18Crystal Palace603359-43
19Southampton501429-71
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves6015616-101


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!