Raphinha claims Leeds can help his Brazil “dream” come true.
Raphinha has always wanted to pull on Brazil’s iconic yellow shirt and believes playing in the Premier League with Leeds gives him the platform to impress national coach Tite.
The winger has bagged five goals and five assists in the Premier League and was shortlisted for February’s Player of the Month award.
Raphinha, 24, believes he can catch Tite’s eye if he continues to progress with Leeds.
“My main focus at the moment is always the club and doing my best here, working really hard and giving everything,” he said.
“As a result of that work, the results will come.
“As a Brazilian player, and like any other Brazilian, I dream of representing them and putting on the shirt for my country.
“If the chance does come along, I would embrace that opportunity and make the most of it.”
Raphinha looks a snip at the £17million Leeds paid Rennes for him on deadline day in October and is already attracting attention from Manchester United and Liverpool.
He thanked Marcelo Bielsa and his team-mates for helping him settle so quickly at Elland Road.
“None of this would be possible without my team-mates,” he said. “They’ve helped me to adapt and develop.
“If I’m playing my best football now, it’s thanks to them, the coaching staff and the manager.
“Working with Marcelo Bielsa is amazing. He’s someone who always looks to develop and involve players. He’s always someone who demands the best from his players.
“I like to work with coaches that demand the best, so it’s amazing working with him.”
Raphinha claims Bielsa was a big factor in his decision to come to Leeds because he made it clear through director of football Victor Orta that he wanted him.
“Whenever there are offers on the table, I always analyse them closely to see what the club and the coach want of me,” he said.
“The fact that it was Marcelo Bielsa who wanted me, the fact that it was him who requested my signing, was very important to me.
“It was really pleasing that he wanted me to be part of this group. He wants me to help and he wants what I can bring.
“It’s really satisfying that he wanted to bring my football to the club.”
Thanks to Raphinha, Leeds will achieve this season’s target of establishing themselves in the Premier League after 16 years away and the South American says they are back where they belong.
“When I arrived here, the target set was for Leeds to remain in the Premier League so I believe we’re doing well in that respect,” he said.
“Leeds belong in the top division, so in terms of meeting the target of staying in the Premier League, I think we have done that well.”
