'I entered the field with immense sadness' - Leeds United star Raphinha explains tribute to family friend and mother of Brazil legend Ronaldinho

GOAL DEDICATION - Leeds United star Raphinha paid tribute to the family of Ronaldinho after the Brazil legend's mother Dona Miguelina passed away. Pic: Bruce Rollinson

The Whites ran out 3-0 winners over their visitors to Elland Road thanks to a dazzling display from summer signing Raphinha.

He was a menace for the Saints defence thanks to his pace and created a number of chances, before scoring a spectacular late goal from a free-kick.

His celebration, for which he was booked, was to take off his shirt and reveal a vest that read: "A lot of strength for the Assis Moreira family. Rest in peace, Dona Miguelina."

The mother of 97-times capped Brazilian star Ronaldinho passed away last weekend aged 71 after suffering from Covid-19 and speaking to Globo Esporte through his advisor, Raphinha described his sadness at the loss of a family friend.

"Today was a very special game for me," he said.

"I entered the field with immense sadness for the departure of Dona Miguelina. Anyone who knows us knows that our families have always been very close and I was very fond of her. In addition to being a very dear person, she was the mother of my greatest idol. I just hope she is at peace and resting. I dedicate this goal to the whole family. We will always be together."

Former Barcelona and Milan star Ronaldinho posted an image of Raphinha's tribute on his Instagram page last night.

Raphinha also joined his Leeds team-mates in paying tribute to the life of Val Crosby, the grandmother of midfielder Kalvin Phillips and a popular figure with Whites supporters. She passed away last Thursday and the team posed with a shirt bearing her name after the victory.

Three points pushed Leeds into the top half of the Premier League as they continue to defy expectations.

Raphinha, quickly becoming a fan favourite and a star player at Elland Road, is delighted to have settled into Marcelo Bielsa's side so swiftly.

"The Premier League is an extremely complicated, disputed and tough league," he told Globo Esporte.

"The games are intense and balanced. I am very happy with my quick adaptation, after all, it is my first season, and pleased to be able to help the team in this return to the competition after so many years. The most important thing is that we are running a very regular campaign."