Raphinha attended the pre-match press conference for the Brazil vs Japan match in Singapore, where he discussed his injury.
Regarding expectations for this match:
"We have positive expectations for this. Wearing the national team jersey is always an honor. This will be a very difficult match; Japan is very strong, but we are ready."
Regarding his knee injury:
"I have a minor issue with my knee, but it's not serious enough to keep me from playing. The people here have been very warm towards me and all my teammates, and it's truly heartwarming to see the love they show us."
Regarding being called up to the national team:
"Since the first time I put on this jersey, I have always wanted to stay here. I always do everything I can to be called up to the national team. It's a privilege to be here. When I'm not called up, it feels very bad.
"I am in good physical condition now and can play for Brazil. When I'm not in good physical condition and can't be here, I do everything I can to recover. If my physical condition allows, I will play for both Brazil and Barcelona."
Regarding the current situation of the Brazil national team:
"I want to speak up because, in my opinion, we are the best national team in the world, and I always want to stay here. When the team doesn't perform well, I want to be the first to take responsibility. We must work hard to make the team better.
"Criticism doesn't affect us; it's normal. If we don't win, we should accept criticism and improve our performance through hard work. We are in the best national team in the world, and if we can't win, I understand the outside criticism. We are ready to face this criticism."
Regarding criticism of his performance at the World Cup:
"At that time, I wasn't at 100% physical condition. I had just returned from injury, wasn't in good form, and couldn't perform at my full potential. When you're on the field, you don't think about these things; you just think about giving your all.
"The team doctors kept reassuring me and did everything they could to help me recover, but ultimately, the body tells you. I needed more time to recover then. During the World Cup, I was frustrated because I couldn't provide more help to the national team."
Regarding his conversation with Ancelotti:
"It was just a normal, casual conversation, mainly to confirm if I was suitable for selection and if my physical condition was 100%. He spoke to me the same way he spoke to other players; there was no need for any special conversation with me."
Regarding Japan's improvement:
"Japan proved at the World Cup that they have made great progress both physically and tactically. We will have a tough match in their home stadium. This will be a good test against a strong team."