Barcelona player Raphinha expressed his belief during the summer that he could impress head coach Hansi Flick and demonstrate his worth to the team.
The Brazilian winger has had a strong beginning to the current season, showing renewed energy and claiming the left wing position at Barcelona.
With an impressive tally of 10 goals and seven assists in just 14 appearances, Raphinha has become a key player in Flick’s lineup.
This resurgence comes only a few months after heavy speculation that the former Leeds United star might leave the club to make room for Athletic Club’s Nico Williams.
In a recent interview with ‘Losimplenovale,’ cited by Diario Sport, Raphinha opened up about how the summer’s transfer rumors affected him on a personal level.
“They published that I was going to be sold, and it makes you feel like an object,” he shared.
“They treat us as if they possess us. We possess feelings, we possess loved ones. Occasionally, we listen to certain things, and it influences us. I am not an individual with a cold heart—I tend to be hot-tempered and sometimes act impulsively.
However, I have grown up. I am now more careful, but I won’t allow them to manipulate my thoughts; there is a person controlling it.”
During a difficult time, Raphinha expressed his belief in his capability to impress Flick:
“A different coach may have different strategies, and you might not be included in them. However, I remained composed.
After a week of training, I was confident that he would recognize my worth. Throughout my career, including with the national team, I have always earned my place through hard work.”
