Leeds star admits World Cup ‘weighs on his decision’ amid reports of Barcelona interest

Leeds winger Raphinha has admitted the World Cup is weighing on his mind amid reports of a departure from Elland Road.

The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in recent months after another good season on a personal level in the Premier League.

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He notched 11 goals for the Whites, including one on the final day of the Premier League season to help them secure their Premier League survival.

However, he is now likely to leave this summer as he looks to secure his place in the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup at the end of the year, something that he has admitted is weighting on his mind.

Speaking to Globo (quotes via Yorkshire Evening Post), the 25-year-old said: “If I say that it doesn’t matter, I would be lying, knowing that there are less than six months left for the Cup, you have to be active in the clubs, that weighs on the decision, but I trust my potential.

“If it’s to stay or leave, I’ll do my best, look for my space and I’ll try to be well for the World Cup.”

He was then asked what the future holds for him, to which he jokingly replied: “The next game, against Japan.

“Then I go on vacation. I have a contract with Leeds until 2024, my future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds, I have my mind on the national team, on the game and also on my vacation, we need a vacation.

“I have a contract with Leeds and this issue is resolved by my manager, when something is right, he sends [it to] me.”

On his Brazil teammates, Raphinha added: “No matter how little time we work together, each one knows the other well within their characteristics,” he said.

“Ney [Neymar] can understand my style, Vini’s [Vinicius