Raphinha commits his future to Barcelona despite Bayern interest
Raphinha commits his future to Barcelona – vowing ‘I’ll be at here next season and the ones that come’ – despite Bayern Munich expressing interest in the Brazilian this summer
- Raphinha has committed his future to Barcelona for next season and beyond
- The winger admitted he struggled to settle after joining from Leeds last summer
- Bayern Munich’s Thomas Tuchel was reportedly keen on Raphinha’s services
Raphinha has committed his long-term future to Barcelona, ending speculation that the Brazilian winger will leave the club this summer.
The 26-year-old joined Barcelona from Leeds United last year for £50m, and played 50 games for the Catalan giants in his first 12 months as a Barca player.
It was previously reported that Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel was keen to sign Raphinha, declaring the winger to be a ‘dream player’. It would also have been a potential financial benefit to the LaLiga winners, as they seek to balance the books.
But in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian said he would be at Barcelona next season – and beyond.
Raphinha said: ‘I will continue at Barca next season and the one that comes, and the one that comes, I have many years of contract and I hope to fulfill those years and many more.’
Raphinha has committed his future to Barcelona despite rumours of a move away from La Liga
Thomas Tuchel wanted to bring the winger to Bayern Munich, hailing him as a ‘dream player’
The winger has served one year of his five-year contract, and is tied to Barca until 2027. He is earning around £10.7m per year, which could be used elsewhere if the club were able to get rid of him.
Raphinha admits that it was a tricky beginning to his time in the city following his move from Yorkshire.
‘Barcelona is a city that I love, Brazilians are very happy here’, he said. ‘My first six months were difficult. It was a start to the season in which I scored few goals, few assists and did not have a direct role in the team.
Raphinha admitted that he struggled to settle at Barcelona after his move from Leeds United
The Brazilian winger made 50 appearances during his debut season for the Catalan giants
‘But then I began to adapt better, my teammates helped me a lot.’
As well as his fellow players, he also hailed Xavi for managing them to the league title.
He said: ‘We have a coach who perfectly knows the way Barcelona play, someone who knows the club perfectly. Xavi knew what he could do with this group.’
The goal for next year, Raphinha admits, is for the club to go deep in their challenge for the Champions League, after being ejected at the group stage last November.
Source: Read Full Article