Bruno Fernandes past comments on Raphinha will have Leeds United fans excited

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Leeds completed the signing of Raphinha on deadline day and the Brazilian was welcomed to England by Bruno Fernandes on Instagram – but it is the Manchester United star’s 2019 comments on Raphinha that will get Leeds fans very excited.

Raphinha, 23, put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Elland Road – little over 24 hours after scoring for French club Rennes during a 2-2 draw with Stade Reims on Sunday. It is believed a move to Leeds cost an initial £17million (BBC Sport).

The winger had a hand in 15 goals with Ligue 1 side Rennes after joining the club just last summer from Sporting Lisbon – where he played alongside Manchester United ace Fernandes, leaving the Portuguese side six months before Fernandes did in January.

Back in December 2019 after Raphinha had left Sporting, Fernandes admitted that he missed Raphinha’s creativity, work rate and quality in the final third – and such comments from the Manchester United star will surely have Leeds fans excited.

https://twitter.com/raphinhab11_/status/1313236958295011330

“Raphinha … I miss Raphinha,” Fernandes was quoted as saying by Top Mercato in December 2019. “He’s a player with whom I had a different chemistry from the others. He understood me at a glance.

“He knew, according to the movement of my body, where I was going to put the ball to him. I also miss him because he brought joy to the locker room. He’s also a responsible and hardworking person.”

TBR’s view – Fernandes verdict is optimistic for Leeds

But it also helps Leeds fans understand why Marcelo Bielsa chose Raphinha. His goals and assists for both Rennes and Sporting is proof that the Brazilian is a talented player and has all the tools necessary to shine in the Premier League.

However, Fernandes’ comments on Raphinha’s work rate – claiming he is “hardworking” – shows just why Bielsa has picked him. The Argentine gaffer loves his Leeds players to constantly press, with the club’s murderball sessions now famous.

Despite the rivalry between Leeds and Manchester United, Fernandes’ comments will excite Leeds supporters.