The new Leeds United recruit, Raphinha, has insisted it was a ‘mutual decision’ for him to leave Rennes.
Leeds are reported to have paid £17 million for Raphinha, who shone in his final game for Rennes on Sunday.
The Brazilian had been with his former club for little more than a year and was forced to leave a similar amount of time before he had planned to – at least that’s what was claimed on Twitter.
But, posting on Instagram earlier, Raphinha appeared to nip that particular rumour in the bud.
“The time has come to say goodbye and thank you for everything I have experienced in Rennes and in France,” wrote the 23-year-old. “From my first day in the country, I was treated very well by everyone and felt at home. The plan was to stay longer at the club, but a great opportunity presented itself, both for me and for Rennes, and, by mutual agreement, we decided that it was the right time for me to go to looking for new challenges.
“I am also grateful to the club for their trust in my work and for everything the board and fans have given me in just over a year. I wore this shirt with great honor and dedication and made some great friends. I will carry Rennes forever in my heart and I will be forever grateful for everything. Good luck to us. Even from afar, I hope the club will continue to achieve the goals. Thank you! 🙏 @staderennaisfc”
Despite a successful summer transfer window, Leeds are still thought to be in the market for a central midfielder.
The Whites – who saw the Bayern Munich player Michael Cuisance join Marseille after failing a medical at Elland Road – can still recruit from EFL clubs only until 16 October.
Rennes signed the highly-rated Anderlecht winger Jeremy Doku as Raphinha’s replacement.
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