Leeds United employee shares ‘massive’ Raphinha claim after what he’s seen
Noel Whelan has hailed Leeds United star Raphinha’s “passion and love for the club” after his celebrations as Premier League survival was confirmed.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old played a “massive role” this season – despite his form “tailing off” towards the end of the campaign.
Raphinha, who won and scored the penalty to put Leeds United 1-0 up against Brentford, was pictured celebrating among the away fans after the 2-1 win in London secured a third consecutive top-flight season.
The winger, who won his first Brazil caps last year (2021), finished the 2021-22 campaign as the Yorkshire club’s top goalscorer with 11 strikes.
However, the former Rennes man managed just three goals after the turn of the year.
Whelan hailed the 25-year-old’s “guile and talent” after his crucial performance on the final day.
“He’s such a passionate guy and he has a real love for the club,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s up there celebrating not only with his family but with the fans as well, and you don’t often see that anymore.
“That just shows how much it meant to him.
“Let’s not forget, his goals and assists have played a massive role in keeping us up.
“His form tailed off towards the end of the season, yes, but it’s still his guile and talent which won that all-important penalty and then he stepped up to take it as well.
“When it comes to big games, big players step up.”
Raphinha is contracted at Leeds United until June 2024.
He joined the Elland Road club from Rennes in 2020 for a reported £17million.
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