Raphinha has revealed that he was close to leaving Barcelona in 2024 for Saudi Arabia, but was convinced to stay at the club by Hansi Flick.
Last summer, the Brazilian felt unwanted in Catalonia and was tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia for life-changing money.
However, Flick, who replaced Xavi as Barcelona’s head coach, ensured that Raphinha stayed put.
In 2024-25, across Europe's top five leagues, only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (57) registered more goal involvements than Raphinha (56).
However, before this scintillating season, the 28-year-old was seriously considering a move to a different continent.
"The offer we had from Saudi Arabia really tempted me,” Raphinha told ESPN.
"It would have solved not just my personal life, but also the lives of my parents, my son... a lot of people.
"Obviously, we thought about leaving [Barcelona]. I thought it might be time to leave, but then we talked to [Flick], first on the phone and then at the beginning of the preseason, and he managed to convince me to stay. I'm glad he did."
The winger also divulged how he felt disrespected by Barcelona, due to their interest in Athletic Club talent Nico Williams, who eventually signed a new ten-year deal at his current employers.
"A lot of people [wanted me out]," he said. "It's impossible to name them all. Suddenly, I wasn't doing what they thought I should be doing, what they thought I had to do.
"But I always had a clear conscience about what I was able to deliver. I was extremely dedicated. Maybe they wanted 30 goals per season, which isn't really my style. I'm not a striker, I'm a player who helps a lot with commitment, with a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work, that's Raphinha. I'll always give my best.
"So because I wasn't the player they expected, many wanted me out, they thought I had."
Over the course of this season, Raphinha has recorded five goal involvements (three goals, two assists), but has been unavailable for recent fixtures due to a thigh issue.
He is expected to return for a mouthwatering Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26.
MurongFu
0
Believe me nowadays as a winger if you are not 30 goals player....you won't get credit..... that's a fact.....and almost all European team attacks from the wings......so yeah......you have to be a 30 goal player
@Hritangshu93 Yamal only have 14 assists last term 🤣🤣🤣
MurongFu
0
Believe me nowadays as a winger if you are not 30 goals player....you won't get credit..... that's a fact.....and almost all European team attacks from the wings......so yeah......you have to be a 30 goal player
43 assists, Barcelona fans and liess, cannot be separated 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Tebbeklotz
1
Believe me nowadays as a winger if you are not 30 goals player....you won't get credit..... that's a fact.....and almost all European team attacks from the wings......so yeah......you have to be a 30 goal player
If you are talking about this issue, then it means Yamal is not a player
skIsmailHaque
0
good
skIsmailHaque
2
vo on
FlashyboiDYan
1
Believe me nowadays as a winger if you are not 30 goals player....you won't get credit..... that's a fact.....and almost all European team attacks from the wings......so yeah......you have to be a 30 goal player
lammine Yamal is a thirty goal player? both G/A can't still reach.
Hritangshu93
0
And meanwhile Yamal don’t even have 30 goals last season but he got all the credit 🤣🤣🤣
Yes because he was creating a lot....he had 43 assists and many more chances creation......also he was a constant threat in the wings occupying other defenders and creating space for others......so yes
MurongFu
0
Believe me nowadays as a winger if you are not 30 goals player....you won't get credit..... that's a fact.....and almost all European team attacks from the wings......so yeah......you have to be a 30 goal player
And meanwhile Yamal don’t even have 30 goals last season but he got all the credit 🤣🤣🤣
Hritangshu93
0
Believe me nowadays as a winger if you are not 30 goals player....you won't get credit..... that's a fact.....and almost all European team attacks from the wings......so yeah......you have to be a 30 goal player
kandmopty
1
If Rophenha try to go sell fronn Torres Araujo Gerard Martin kounde can make this lineup if Barcelona try to bring striker just Holland no other at this moment this striker can help Barcelona with lewandowski
teubdnpsz
5
Raphinha go to Saudi Arabia club and get money 💷 because feeling that Lamine Yamal is better than you which you can seeing how Ballon d.or goes there're depending in Lamine Yamal which you play better than Lamine Yamal Barcelona don't give Brazilian players good things in the club
Disadeiptz
1
if you want people to read your articles just type in the name Ronaldo cr7 ,,,,