Raphinha is in an excellent season with Barcelona, with 34 goals and 22 assists arrested during the 2024-25 campaign. And it was exactly what he needed, given that his future had been questioned many cases.
Raphinha was often criticized by moving in his first few seasons after Barcelona after he had moved from Leeds United in 2022. He acknowledged this during an interview with MD this week, in which he gave his answer.
“Since I arrived, there were rumors in every market that I was not good for this club. But I knew my assets. I am not here as a gift from someone. I am here because of my work and what I did at other clubs and with the national team. It is no lack of level.
“But I am at Barça, a big club, a demanding club, and if you don't give what people expect, it is normal for them to criticize you: to hear that it is better for you to leave, that you do not have the level to play in this shirt … but I knew what I could give to this club. I knew that if I worked and the results would change, people would change their minds” “”
According to his answer, Raphinha also arose from the fact that he was constantly connected to top clubs in the Premier League to show that part of the criticism that came on his way was unjustified.
“This shows that it was no lack of level. A player who does not have a good level will not be viewed by the big teams in the Premier League, as well as other large clubs interested in me with very high offers.
“But I wanted to be here. Since I was a child, I followed Barça, I always saw them playing. I remember Ronaldinho, Neymar, the history, the titles, the atmosphere, the fans. I always wanted to be here and write my name in the history of the club. I had visited the city and the stadium earlier and it was my wish.”