Raphinha sends message to Leeds United as promotion to Premier League confirmed
Leeds United made everyone associated with the Elland Road club proud when they clinched promotion to the Premier League on Monday.
Joel Piroe got the party started in blistering fashion when he bagged a hat-trick in 20 minutes as the Whites hammered Stoke City 6-0.
The former Swansea man went on to notch his fourth goal before half-time, while further strikes from Junior Firpo and Wilfried Gnonto sealed the emphatic win.
Burnley’s 2-1 triumph over Sheffield United confirmed that Daniel Farke’s men will compete in next season’s Premier League.
Raphinha congratulates Leeds on Premier League promotion
With just two Championship games left to play, Farke’s side are still level on points with second-place Burnley as they battle to clinch the title.
After securing their promotion back to the top flight alongside the Clarets, Leeds posted on Instagram: “We are Premier League.”
Former Whites star Raphinha responded, commenting overnight: “Come on” with a heart hands emoji alongside a flame emoji.
Leeds will be proud of Raphinha’s Barcelona exploits
Brazil international Raphinha has once again proven he still feels an affinity to Leeds after congratulating the West Yorkshire outfit on their promotion back to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Elland Road faithful will be proud of what the Barcelona star has achieved since leaving in favour of the Catalan giants in the summer of 2022.
| Raphinha Leeds stats | 2020-2022 |
| Appearances | 67 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 12 |
Raphinha proved his class at Leeds when he scored 11 goals and created three assists in the 2021/22 Premier League season as the Whites successfully retained their top-flight status.
The winger had a strong first season in Barcelona colours as he notched 10 goals and 12 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.
Raphinha went on to score 10 goals and create 11 assists in 37 outings last term, but this season he has hit new heights and has become one of the best players in the world.
Leeds supporters will be proud to see that the Brazil star has made a whopping 51 goal contributions in 49 appearances this campaign, and could help Hansi Flick’s men win the treble.
Could a Ballon d’Or follow this promotion to the Premier League?