JAKARTA - Brazilian striker Raphinha admits that he has fulfilled his childhood dream by playing for Barcelona and following in the footsteps of Brazilian legends such as Romario, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar.
"All my idols played and made history here, so it's a big honor and I'm very grateful to Barca for giving me the opportunity to wear this jersey," Raphinha told a news conference after signing a contract until June 2027 with a buy clause of one billion euros. from Antara, Saturday 16 July.
"I hope I can achieve half of what my idols here have achieved. This is truly a dream come true for me and my family. I will do my best to help this club win (the cup)."
Leeds United agreed terms for the 25-year-old's flamboyant transfer to Barca for a fee of 58 million euros (Rp 876 billion) which could rise again to 68 million euros with add-ons.
"Beautiful game back to Barcelona and it means a lot to our club," said president Joan Laporta as he stood beside Raphinha.
"For us, it's very interesting because all of us who have lived through the golden age of Barca, there are always Brazilians."
"Raphinha reminds us of this tradition; and he is here to carry on that stick. (Barca coach) Xavi ... wanted to have Raphinha and we did what we could. Every time Raphinha showed a desire to join Barca and that was very important, ' concluded Laporta.
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