In a candid interview with Globo Esporte, Raphinha opened up about the mental challenges he faced during a turbulent period at Barcelona and how he seriously contemplated leaving the club following the 2021 Copa América.
The Brazilian winger admitted that, for a time, he wasn’t feeling mentally comfortable at Barcelona, leading to thoughts of departure. “I wasn’t feeling mentally comfortable until Flick called me. Every day, there were rumors about me signing for one team or another,” Raphinha confessed.
Despite his strong start with Barcelona after his move from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, the 2022/23 season proved to be a difficult one for the 26-year-old. “Things didn’t go as they should have; I had a worse season than expected,” Raphinha continued. He acknowledged that he felt the pressure from fans and the media, with many calling for his departure as his form dipped. “I saw people asking me to leave while reports of my departure surfaced daily. I seriously considered leaving.”
Raphinha’s struggles, both on the pitch and mentally, were compounded by constant rumors linking him to various top clubs. These whispers about his future became a constant distraction, further affecting his confidence and focus. However, the turning point came when Germany’s national team coach, Hansi Flick, reached out to him.
Flick’s call marked a significant moment for Raphinha, providing him with reassurance and a renewed sense of purpose. The support from Flick helped him regain his focus and continue his journey at Barcelona, where he has since worked to regain his form and contribute to the team’s success.
Raphinha’s honesty in discussing this difficult chapter in his career sheds light on the pressures faced by professional athletes, who not only contend with their performance on the field but also the external noise surrounding their careers. With his mental resilience and focus now stronger than ever, Raphinha is determined to prove his worth at Barcelona and silence any doubts about his ability to thrive in one of the world’s top football clubs.
