Raphinha makes Real Madrid transfer admission after Barcelona talks

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema wins Ballon d’Or for first time

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Barcelona winger Raphinha has opened up on his troubles since arriving at the Nou Camp in a £55million deal from Leeds United in the summer. After being named in Tite’s Brazil squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Raphinha has pledged his loyalty to the Blaugrana, dismissing any idea he would consider joining bitter La Liga rivals Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old joined Barcelona as the club’s next Brazilian superstar, but his start to life in Catalonia hasn’t gone to plan. He’s started just six of Barca’s 12 La Liga games this season, scoring just one goal in 17 appearances in all competitions.

During an appearance on Que T’hi Jugues, Raphinha was asked whether he would consider ever joining Real if his dream move to Barcelona doesn’t work out. But despite his struggles at Barca, Raphinha ruled out ever switching allegiances.

And the talented winger claimed he had engaged in an honest conversation with manager Xavi about the right-wing being his natural position. He said: “Of course, I’d say no to Real Madrid. I had a talk with Xavi, and I told him that I’d love to play on the right.”

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His early struggles haven’t been helped by Xavi using him on the left-wing when the trademark of his game is cutting in on his dangerous left foot. But he will hope the Spanish coach accepts his desires and gives him more consistent minutes on his natural side.

Raphinha won the hearts of Leeds fans during his two-year stint in England, thriving as the standout player in Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch’s sides. He registered 17 goals and 12 assists in 67 games for the Whites and helped them avoid Premier League relegation last season before securing his blockbuster switch.

And Raphinha recently addressed his early struggles since his exit, admitting he’s enduring a ‘difficult’ period. But he heralded his Barcelona team-mates for helping him settle in a new league and insisted he was working on completing the adaption phase quickly so he could start showcasing his best.

“For me, on an individual level, it’s been difficult. I’m a forward, and I like to score,” Raphinha explained. “I’ve scored one official goal all season, and that touches you a bit. I’m adapting; my team-mates are helping me. I’m working so that this adaptation is as quick as possible.”

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