Romantic Raphinha rushes to hug fiancee Taia Rodrigues in crowd after helping Leeds clinch Premier League safety
Posted Monday, May 23, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk
ROMANTIC Raphinha rushed to hug his fiancee Taia Rodrigues after he helped Leeds United complete a great escape.
The Brazilian was on target as his team became the first side since Wigan in 2011 to survive after starting the final day in the bottom three.
Raphinha rushes to hug fiancee Taia Rodrigues in the crowd after helping Leeds stay upCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The star planted a smacker right on the lips after climbing into the crowdCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
His penalty put Leeds ahead against Brentford in West London as the drama began to unfold.
The Bees were then reduced to 10 men when Kristoffer Ajer had to go off as the hosts had already used their three substitutions.
But Sergi Canos looped in an equaliser to leave Leeds sweating on their safety before he was sent off for a second bookable offence.
With Burnley losing 2-1 at home to Newcastle, the draw was enough for the Elland Road outfit to survive in the Premier League.
But Jack Harrison made absolutely sure with a late strike from the edge of the area in added-time to secure their top-flight status with a 2-1 win.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier ran the entire length of the pitch to join in the celebrations as boss Jesse Marsch fell flat on his back in the technical area as emotion got the better of him.
The final whistle was met by huge celebrations from the away side and their supporters as Brentford fans booed due to the partying delaying their side's planned lap of honour.
But Leeds did not care - especially Raphinha.
He spotted his partner Taia right in the middle of the jubilant travelling supporters, and he pushed his way past stewards to race and give her a cuddle and a kiss.
Triumphant Leeds fans continued to celebrate around them, and the 25-year-old, who has been linked with Manchester United and Barcelona, did not disappoint as he climbed high to strike and pose and perform a victory wiggle.
Raphinha announced his engagement to Taia Rodrigues after an incredibly romantic proposal back in January.
He created a candle-lit path through the house for her to walk down.
There was also a big light-up sign with their initials and a heart in front of the windows.
And then when Taia stepped out into the garden a huge sign read 'MARRY ME'.
It also appeared to be her birthday as upon entrance to the house there was a sign which read 'Happy Birthday'.
Speaking on Instagram, Taia said: "Matthew 19:6 - 'They are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has united, let no one separate'.
"Entering 2022 with my greatest happiness being on your side.
"Thanks for so much, I didn't even know there was someone like you, how lucky for me, I love you. My yes forever."
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- Leeds United
- Raphinha
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