“I wanted to show people who didn’t trust me” - Raphinha explains turning down Barcelona exit
Raphinha has opened up on past speculation linking him with a Barcelona departure. The Brazilian winger has enjoyed a dramatic upturn in form under new manager Hansi Flick.
The 27-year-old has made a blistering start to the new season with 10 goals and nine assists in 14 games across competitions. He netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League (October 23).
Raphinha hasn't always had it easy at Barcelona since arriving from Leeds United in July 2022. There were question marks over his future, including this past summer.
The 29-cap Brazil international wanted to continue at Barcelona to prove his critics wrong. He said (via Barca Universal):
"One day, my wife and I talked at home about all the options and everything I could do here; there was so much to do at Barça, I had more years left on my contract. I had come here to make history, and I wanted to show people who didn’t trust me."
Flick's arrival has transformed Raphinha into one of Europe's most potent attackers. He's flourishing under the German tactician, who he was confident would grow fond of him:
"The coach changed, and I maybe I wasn't going to play with him. But I was calm. With a week of work, he will fall in love with me. It has always happened to me, even with the national team; with hard work, I always end up playing."
Raphinha has even taken on the Catalans' captaincy responsibilities lately. He's staged an admirable turnaround at Camp Nou after a period of scrutiny.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick says he's never had a player like Raphinha
Flick has worked with some of Europe's all-time greats during his managerial career. Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller flourished under the German at Bayern Munich.
The former Bayern boss claims Raphinha is a unique talent and spoke highly of his abilities. He said (via BarcaBlaugranes):
"He is a good example of how the team can function. He always has a good attitude in training and in matches... He has good dynamics with the ball and he has had an extraordinary match. His offensive and defensive dynamics, and his good technique, are something special. I have never had a player like him and he helps us a lot."
Raphinha has formed a formidable attack alongside Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Fermin Lopez. This has helped Barcelona start the La Liga campaign with 10 wins in 11 games, sitting top ahead of rivals Real Madrid.