Raphinha has revealed that head coach Hansi Flick convinced him to stay in Barcelona after he had considered leaving the club after he had trouble making an impression shortly after his relocation of Leeds United.
The Brazilian believes that earlier coach Xavi did not trust him and gave him only 17 starts during the 2023-24 season compared to 32 the following season.
Raphinha flourished under Flick, scored 34 goals and registered 22 assists in all competitions on the second most target contributions and helps behind Mohamed Salah in Europe's top five competitions.
The 34 goals scored by the Brazilian were now the equal fourth highth highest in Europe's top five competitions, while his 21 target contributions in the Champions League were the record of Cristiano Ronaldo most in one season.
“To be honest, I didn't expect it. The personal goals I had were among these figures … It was the best season of my life,” Raphinha told the Spanish daily sport in an interview that was published on Friday.
Raphinha admitted that neither he nor who saw him continue in Barcelona before Flick arrived and persuaded him to stay.
“I didn't think it was, many people wanted me to leave here. Many fans, maybe the sign was not happy with what I did, many people. I am a person who thinks if you are not welcome in a place, it is better not to be in it,” he said.
“It makes no sense to hit your head against the wall. I know the way I am wide and I knew that when the coach changed, I had a new chance to show my potential and my way of working.
“The coach had called me and told me he was counting on me. That call was very important because it changed my way of thinking. The only person who could stop me was him and he did it.”
Raphinha helped Barcelona to reclaim the LABERA title this season, as well as the Copa del Rey, after he had defeated Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time in the final.
Last week he signed a contract extension that will hold him in the club until June 2028, while he was called next month to play against Ecuador and Paraguay for Brazil.
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