Barcelona captain Raphinha has revealed that he had already decided to leave the club before Hansi Flick convinced him to stay, crediting the German manager with restoring his confidence and transforming his mentality.
The Brazilian winger’s future at Barcelona looked uncertain before Flick’s arrival, but a conversation with the new coach changed his outlook.
Raphinha has now explained how Flick’s faith in him proved decisive, while also reflecting on the moment his teammates selected him as one of the club’s captains.
Flick convinced Raphinha to abandon Barcelona exit
Raphinha admitted that leaving Barcelona was no longer just a possibility in his mind, as he had already made the decision before Flick intervened.
The manager’s assurances, however, gave the winger a reason to reconsider.
“In my head, I knew I was leaving Barça. I had already made that decision mentally.
“Then Flick told me he trusted me and that I was going to be important. In a moment like that, just a few words can change you,” he noted.
Flick convinced Raphinha to stay. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Barcelona captain subsequently explained that the conversation went beyond his immediate future, helping him recover the self-belief he had lost.
“I’ve always said that Hansi Flick changed my mentality and changed me as a person. That conversation gave me back the confidence I had lost.”
Flick’s confidence in Raphinha ultimately helped change the direction of his Barcelona career, with the Brazilian now an important figure in the squad.
Raphinha explains how teammates changed his mentality
Raphinha also discussed his appointment as one of Barcelona’s captains, revealing that the decision had an unexpected effect on how he viewed himself.
“When my teammates chose me as captain, it was like a switch had been turned on.
“They saw something in me that I hadn’t discovered myself. That changed me.”
As put by the Brazilian himself, Flick’s backing helped restore his confidence, while the captaincy gave him another perspective on the responsibility he carries within the team.
Raphinha returns to Barcelona training
Away from his reflections on Flick, Raphinha has taken a step towards returning to action after suffering an injury on international duty.
The Brazilian sustained oedema in the back of his right thigh on September 29 while representing his country in Australia. The problem ruled him out of Barcelona’s matches against Getafe and Galatasaray.
Raphinha has now completed part of a training session with his teammates for the first time since the injury.
Hence, he is expected to be included in the squad travelling for Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis.
Source: GOAL