Chelsea were hugely interested in a move for Raphinha during the summer transfer window.

Chelsea had seen a bid accepted by Leeds United for the Brazilian, but Raphinha remained insistent on a move to Barcelona.

Raphinha has now revealed that he was keen on playing for Barcelona because of his childhood hero Ronaldinho.

Asked whether he turned down the chance to remain in the Premier League, Raphinha told La Vanguardia: “Rejecting an offer from Chelsea? Yes, because my dream was to wear the Barca shirt.

“I followed them since I was young, since Ronaldinho arrived. I wanted to be a part of it. The desire was stronger than any other proposal, no matter how powerful it was financially.

“I knew that I might have some difficulties to come and to be registered. But I was also aware of the effort the club was making.

“So I decided to trust and adapt to the economic conditions that existed.

“I was born in La Restinga, a very poor neighborhood in Porto Alegre. I had a very poor childhood, so to speak.

“But my family taught me that humility and values ​​are much more important than material things and that has saved me on many occasions.”