Deco has recalled how he placed former Rennes star Raphinha at Leeds United.

The former Barcelona star says Leeds chief Victor Orta was the key in the deal.

He told the LUFC Fanzone Podcast: "I don't know why but I remember at the beginning they [Rennes] do not want to sell Raphinha, they want to wait a minimum one year more.

"When I spoke with the club, one week to the close of the transfer window, they say to me they maybe could think about this move for Raphinha.

"I start to work I spoke with Leeds, because I know Victor Orta likes him very well and Victor call me and say, 'okay maybe it's possible or not, we'll see'. It was fast, but like I say in football, sometimes there are [these] kind of opportunities."

Deco explains that Orta and the club's hierarchy's clear desire for the player was a big part of Raphinha's decision to sign.

"In football sometimes, it's important when someone wants you - really wants you - and Leeds they showed how much they want Raphinha.

"That's why it was important for him. He was happy, he saw the people when they call, Victor [Orta] and the President they call him and want him and this is important for the player too.

"That's why they convinced Raphinha to come."