Leeds star Raphinha’s Ronaldinho tribute revealed following wonderful free-kick vs Southampton

An explanation for Leeds United star Raphinha’s celebration versus Southampton earlier this evening has been forthcoming online.

Peacocks rampant

Marcelo Bielsa’s men were of course back in action a short time ago, in a Premier League meeting with the Saints.

Leeds headed into proceedings in search of a bounce-back result, having fallen to respective defeats at the hands of Arsenal and Wolves over the last 10 days.

And, when all was said and done at Elland Road, the Whites indeed managed to bounce back, in some style.

An action-packed affair eventually saw the hosts emerge on the right side of a 3-0 scoreline, to move back into the top-half of the English top-flight table.

Patrick Bamford opened the game’s scoring, courtesy of a fine left-footed strike:

Patrick Bamford 🔥🔥🔥

📺 Watch live on on Sky Sports PL
📱 Follow #LEESOU here: https://t.co/dCMVJTS141
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/b2flrmnLRy

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 23, 2021

Next on the scoresheet was Stuart Dallas, who guided home a pinpoint effort from just inside the area after being laid on by Helder Costa.

Raphinha’s message of support

The best of the evening’s goals at Elland Road, however, was saved for last.

The scorer? Raphinha.

A little over 5 minutes from time, Leeds’ Brazilian wide-man, who has of course lit up the English football landscape since his arrival from Rennes last summer, stood over a free-kick 20 yards out.

And, instead of directing his subsequent strike near post, as had looked most likely, Raphinha went on to pick out the far corner of Alex McCarthy’s net, courtesy of a wicked left-footed effort.

⭐ Man of the Match, Raphinha
⚽ Scored third PL goal from outside the box this season. Only James-Ward Prowse has more this campaign (4)
🥇 Most chances created
🥇 Most passes played into opp. box pic.twitter.com/RjhmWwSTIY

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 23, 2021

It was not the 24-year-old’s latest strike, nor his subsequent Man of the Match award, which in fact had many talking on the back of the full-time whistle at Elland Road, though.

Instead, it was Raphinha’s celebration after finding the net.

The South American removed his jersey to reveal a vest underneath, covered in personalised writing.

And, as outlined above, an explanation, and full translation, has since been forthcoming online.

Raphinha was in fact paying tribute to the mother of fellow countryman Ronaldinho, one of the Leeds star’s idols, following the passing of his mother over the weekend:

‘Much strength for the Assis Moreira Family. Rest in Peace Dona Miguelina,’ the message read.

“Much strength for the Assis Moreira Family. Rest in Peace Dona Miguelina”

🇧🇷 A lovely message from Raphinha after his great free-kick to the family of Ronaldinho, after his mother passed away on Saturday.#LUFC | #LEESOU pic.twitter.com/VzojlAALKb

— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) February 23, 2021

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This article was edited by Josh Barker.

Source: 101greatgoals.com