Raphinha explains family link to Ronaldinho and why Brazil legend is his idol

Leeds star Raphinha has revealed he grew up with Ronaldinho as his idol and friend because of his dad.

Raphinha’s dad Maninho is a boyhood pal of Ronaldinho and they come from the same city in Brazil of Porto Alegre.

The winger says he grew up knowing the former Brazil and Barcelona star and that he was his hero and greatest inspiration.

Raphinha is still close to Ronaldinho and he sent him a congratulatory video message for scoring his first Leeds goal against Everton in November.

Raphinha then dedicated his goal against Southampton to Ronaldinho’s mum who died last month from coronavirus.

“My dad was a childhood friend of his so we ended up being close,” he told Sky Sports. “Because of the person he is, I’ve always been inspired by him both as a person and a player.

“Since I was little he was my greatest idol because of the way he played.

“The joy and spontaneity he played with on the pitch and the happiness that emanated from him, I always admired him for that.”

Raphinha has a touch of Ronaldinho with his dribbles and skills and he has been an instant success for Leeds with his five goals and five assists in the Premier League.

Leeds fans have been quick to adopt him as their new hero and he is their most skilful player since Harry Kewell nearly two decades ago.

Raphinha claims this ability is something he was born with and that much of his play is spontaneous.

“As we say in Brazil, it’s from the cradle,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s something you are born with, a God-given gift. God says, ‘this guy’s getting this gift and he’s going to make the most of what I’m giving him’.

“It’s just a natural process. There are moments in games that demand one thing and it comes into your mind to do it. It’s not trained, it happens naturally as it’s something I know how to do.”

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