Sunday’s edition of L’Equipe had an article titled ‘Rennes – Migraine’, and went on to explain several problems currently ongoing at the French club.
Rennes find themselves eighth in Ligue 1, which is a disappointment given they finished third last season. Things would have been worse had they not managed a win over struggling Nice today.
They sold Raphinha to Leeds United in the last transfer window, which proved a shock. L’Equipe say the Rennes squad have ‘struggled to understand’ the decision which saw the Brazilian move to Marcelo Bielsa’s side at the end of the market.
At the time, there were suggestions in France that Raphinha had pushed for the move, but this week he’s come out and explained it was was Rennes who edged him towards Leeds, rather than him agitating for an exit.
Speaking to the Brazilian media, he stated: “I arrived here on a Monday, and had found out about the proposal on Saturday.
“I was focused on playing in the Champions League at Rennes. But, knowing that, out of the blue, they accepted an offer from Leeds, for an amount even less than the purchase, made me feel devalued.
“I played on Sunday and, after the match, they put the whole responsibility on me, on leaving.
“Until Saturday, at noon, I was focused on the game. The transfer window was closed, I knew that nothing more would happen. And I was told that Rennes would only sell me for an offer of 60 million euros, but they sold me for 15 million. I felt devalued.”
Those comments caused some surprise in France, given the blame had been landed on the player before he spoke. Raphinha clarifying things will only cause more confusion around Rennes squad, as they continue to wonder what really went on and prompted the move to Leeds United.
