When Raphinha arrived from Rennes to Leeds United, few knew what to expect, as the Brazilian was a relative unknown in the Premier League.
His stats in France did speak for themselves, but with many failing to make the transition from Ligue 1 to English football, expectations were mixed.
However, the Brazil International put them quickly to bed as, during his two years with Leeds, he quickly became the most important part of the team, which is why selling him to Barcelona was something the Eland Road side did with a heavy heart.
Still, moving to Yorkshire is what allowed him to develop into the player he is today, working under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch along the way.
Raphinha penned a long article for UOL that was published on Thursday, where he gave his story so far, and recalled the time when the chance to move to Leeds was presented to him.
He said: “I think the most striking and important episode was the decision to leave Rennes for Leeds.
“Unfortunately, I was aware of the interest of other clubs only in the news, on social media, not from someone from Rennes. Nobody came to me and explained the situation, told me what was happening and what could happen. I was left in the dark, and I confess that it made me a little upset.
“Right after the game against Reims, in which I had played a good game and even scored a goal, the president and director called me into a small room, told me what was happening and asked me to make a decision. So. There and then. I couldn’t wait for the next day as the window would close.
“They told me that they would be happy if I stayed at the club, but they would also accept and be grateful if I chose to leave Rennes. I talked to my manager and my family to quickly decide my future. It was difficult to leave there like that, but man… it was the Premier League, the championship of so many stars that I always followed with shining eyes. It was my childhood dream.”
Raphinha goes onto say that his choice ‘couldn’t have been better’, as he was ‘very happy’ during his time at Elland Road, wearing the Leeds shirt.
He got to work with some great managers, and earn the respect of almost every Premier League fan with his dribbling and ability to find both the right pass and the back of the net.
During his time at Leeds, the player made 67 appearances, scored 17 goals and assisted another 12.
