FC Barcelona Star Admits He Considered Leaving The Club

FC Barcelona star Raphinha revealed in an interview with RAC1 that he once contemplated leaving the club during his two-year stint in Catalonia. The Brazilian forward is currently in top form, having scored three goals and provided two assists this season, playing a key role in maintaining Barca’s perfect record across four games in the 2024/2025 campaign under new manager Hansi Flick.

Under Flick’s guidance, Raphinha seems rejuvenated, finally living up to the reported $66 million (€60 million) transfer fee that Barcelona paid to secure his move from Leeds United in 2022.

FC Barcelona star Raphinha recently revealed in an interview with RAC1 that he had considered leaving the club during his two-year stay in Catalonia. The Brazilian winger, who has been instrumental this season with three goals and two assists, has helped Barca maintain a perfect record across four games in the 2024/2025 campaign under manager Hansi Flick.

Raphinha, who is finally beginning to justify the $66 million (€60 million) transfer fee Barcelona paid to sign him from Leeds United in 2022, admitted that his time at the club hasn’t always been smooth.

“Did I consider leaving? Yes,” Raphinha confessed to RAC1. “The first six months were complicated for me and my family. After the World Cup, I improved and was able to finish the season well. I was calmer, but the beginning was quite difficult.”

Reflecting on his adaptation to life at Barca, he added, “My adaptation was challenging. I knew what I needed to do, but I didn’t expect it to be so difficult on a personal level. At one point, I thought about leaving. Barca is a massive club, and it’s normal for it to be challenging. I wasn’t used to it, but it happened quickly.”

As one of Barcelona’s most valuable assets, Raphinha has frequently been linked with a potential move away from the club, despite being under contract until 2027. Speculation has often pointed to a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia or a return to the Premier League.

“It’s frustrating to see these rumors of a departure, but it’s to be expected. Every day there’s a new story, and it becomes quite irritating. My focus has always been here at Barca. Each season, I aim to improve on the last and prove that I belong here for many years. I’ve received numerous offers, but the best one for me is to stay at Barcelona,” he emphasized.

Discussing the differences between his last two head coaches, Xavi and Hansi Flick, Raphinha noted that the team now emphasizes physical preparation a bit more.

“It’s natural; everyone has their own approach,” Raphinha explained. “Xavi focused heavily on ball control and possession, while Hansi believes that improving our physical conditioning will benefit us more.”