Liam Grace
Published November 25, 2025 10:34am
Updated November 25, 2025 10:35am
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
The Barcelona star ‘shut his eyes’ to other clubs who wanted to sign him in 2022 (Picture: Getty)
Barcelona star Raphinha has revealed why he turned down a move to Chelsea three years ago ahead of his team’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian, valued at €90m (£79m) by Transfermarkt, joined Barca from Leeds United in 2022, with the Catalan club paying £55m for the winger.
Raphinha has shined since his switch to La Liga, helping Barca clinch two Spanish top-flight titles and the Copa del Rey.
The 28-year-old, labelled ‘very important’ and a ‘leader’ by Barca boss Hansi Flick, was crowned La Liga Player of the Season last term.
But things could’ve been very different for Raphinha, who had an offer on the table from Chelsea when he was at Leeds before he rejected the move.
Get personalised updates on Chelsea every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Barca, Raphinha has explained the reason for snubbing the west London side.
Raphinha: I knew Chelsea were interested
Raphinha was crowned La Liga Player of the Season last term (Picture: Getty)
‘Ever since my last match with Leeds, I knew there was a chance to wear the Barcelona shirt,’ Raphinha said.
‘I also knew Chelsea were interested, but I had a dream I needed to fulfil, and I gave 100 per cent to make it happen.
‘I shut my eyes to the other clubs that wanted me. I had a dream, and I did everything I could to play for Barcelona.’
Flick ‘really happy’ to have Raphinha back
Hansi Flick’s side next face Chelsea in the Champions League (Picture: Getty)
Raphinha made his return from a hamstring injury on Saturday after two months out.
Flick is delighted to have Raphinha back – but says he won’t rush the player and will make a late call over how long he’ll feature against Chelsea.
‘Step-by-step with Rapha,’ the Barca boss said. ‘For me, the most important thing is that he is back.
More Trending
-
John Terry says only two clubs can win the Premier League this season
Channel: Football Football 1 hour ago By Ben Fleming - Mikel Arteta's bargain signing told he made mistake joining Arsenal from Chelsea
- Gary Neville makes Chelsea Premier League title prediction ahead of Arsenal showdown
- Man Utd and Chelsea's £75m target tells club he favours Arsenal transfer
‘About the minutes and how long he will play we will decide. He got an injury two times and it is not good in this step, and we take care.
‘I am really happy to have him back. He only played a few minutes on Saturday, but we saw the difference.
‘He creates space for us with and without the ball. It’s good to see him back.’
Raphinha has conjured up 57 goals and 53 assists for Barca across 152 games in all competitions to date.
Arrow MORE: Man Utd in talks to sign £44m star in transfer that could be complete next month
Arrow MORE: Chelsea vs Barcelona: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news
Arrow MORE: Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann names the ‘two best teams in the world’
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source Football Newsletter – In The MixerYour guide to the week in football. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk – sign up, it’s an open goal.
Team Expand Options ? Select All Select All Arsenal Arsenal Aston Villa Aston Villa Bournemouth Bournemouth Brighton Brighton Burnley Burnley Chelsea Chelsea Crystal Palace Crystal Palace Everton Everton Fulham Fulham Leeds United Leeds United Liverpool Liverpool Manchester City Manchester City Manchester United Manchester United Newcastle Newcastle Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest Sunderland Sunderland Tottenham Tottenham West Ham West Ham Wolves Wolves Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
