FC Barcelona has had one of its great figures in Raphinha at the beginning of 2024/25. In just 14 games, the Brazilian has already equaled his record of goals scored in the two previous seasons with the club and, in an interview for the YouTube channel 'LoSimpleNoVale', he opened up about the key to his explosion with the team.
For the '11', beyond the rumors about his possible sale in the summer, feeling loved by the club and the fans, along with hard work, have made the difference so far. "Not winning anything last season has made us arrive this year with a different mentality. If last year we were giving 100% now we have to give 200%," explained the one from Porto Alegre.
In that sense, he valued the arrival of Hansi Flick, although he made it clear that he always felt very "fond" of Xavi Hernández, whom he thanked for the trust in signing him in 2022. "I was sure that with a week of work with Flick, He was going to fall in love with me," he added in his talk with Alberto Hernández.
"I received many calls and I was always very sincere, I had a dream and I had to fulfill it. If I have been able to fulfill my dream of signing for Barça it is because Xavi has loved me a lot here."
Raphinha reduces the weight of the captaincy and makes it clear that the best "is yet to come"
On the other hand, Raphinha spoke about the importance of wearing the captain's armband at Barça. The Brazilian has inherited the captaincy in the absence of Ter Stegen, Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araújo and has responded by assuming a leadership that has surprised many. However, the winger downplayed this factor within the team.
"The truth is, I don't see it as an important thing. If you are not important in the club, the bracelet is not going to ensure that you stay for many years," argued Rapha. In addition, he made it clear what he considers his role should be within the locker room, beyond being the captain.
"It's important that young people feel supported by the veterans and that's what I do. I try to help everyone, the veterans, the young people, the staff... The bracelet makes me feel loved, but I've always been like that ", explained the '11'. And, with respect to the results obtained last week, the one from Porto Alegre did not hesitate to affirm that "the most important week is yet to come."
"If the players are not willing to work hard, not even the best coach in the world can solve it".
Praise for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha's enthusiasm for the new Camp Nou
In his interview for the 'LoSimpleNoVale' podcast, the 27-year-old winger also praised Lamine Yamal. "He's my boy, I have a very special affection for him. He's one of the best in the world and he will be one of the best in the world." And, regarding his love for the club, he referred to his expectations of being able to return to the Camp Nou in 2025.
"It is a unique stadium. When I played for Sporting Lisbon I went on the tour and from the moment I entered I fell in love. I arrived just to play in the old Camp Nou and I want to play and win titles in the new one," Rapha pointed out.