Report explains key role £110k-a-week Chelsea ace played in £17m Leeds star’s decision

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Leeds United forward Raphinha discussed representing Italy instead of Brazil with Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, but remained committed to the Selecao, according to UOL Esporte.

Raphinha is in line to make his senior Brazil debut when Tite’s side visit Venezuela for their World Cup qualifier. The 24-year-old was unable to make his breakthrough appearance in the last international break due to the coronavirus red-list situation.

But he also faced a decision over which country to represent before selecting the Selecao due to his surname, Belloli. The attacker holds dual nationality from his family ties that would have allowed Raphinha to represent Italy rather than Brazil.

Stepping out for the Azzurri did not pull Raphinha’s heartstrings as strongly as wearing the famous yellow of Brazil, however. The £17m dynamo felt he lacked a connection with Italy, having never played in the country. Whereas his career began in South America with Avai.

Nonetheless, Raphinha still sought advice from Jorginho over representing Italy. The £110k-a-week Chelsea midfielder faced the same decision as he also holds dual nationality. But the Brazilian-born technician chose the Azzurri, with whom Jorginho helped win Euro 2020.

Leeds star Raphinha explains decision to pick Brazil over Italy

Jorginho is not the only Brazilian-born player to pick Italy, but Leeds star Raphinha did not follow the Chelsea midfielder. Despite his talks with the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, his Selecao desires were as strong as ever. UOL also quote Raphinha explaining his decision:

“It’s very complicated to change the national team when you don’t live in the country. It’s not even that you don’t feel comfortable, but you don’t feel part of that.

“My goal has always been, since I was little and knowing my dual citizenship, was to represent the Brazilian team. With this objective, my focus was to be here. Even with the contacts, with the conversation, the objective was to represent my country.”