Ahead Of El Clasico Real Madrid Vs Barcelona, Raphinha Admits He Wanted To Leave

Raphinha had thought of leaving Barcelona in the first two seasons (Instagram/@raphinha).

JAKARTA - Barcelona striker Raphinha told ESPN he had considered leaving the club several times during his first two seasons.

The 27-year-old has become one of Barca's best players this year. He starred with a hat trick in a 4-1 win in the Champions League over Bayern Munich.

However, there have been difficult times since he joined Leeds United in 2022. Raphinha struggled to adapt to his new environment after joining Barca.

He had injury problems in his second season and then had to face speculation that the club wanted to get rid of him.

"Wow, there were a few moments, not just one (when I considered leaving Barca)."

"My first six months here, the period from the summer transfer window to the 2022 World Cup, was a season where I didn't have a good start. So, it crossed my mind to leave the club."

"There are a lot of doubts about myself. I have a bad habit of criticizing myself hard. So, that pressure makes me think about leaving," Raphinha told ESPN.

In addition, pressure from supporters is also one of the factors that makes him want to leave.

Luckily, after the 2022 World Cup, his motivation grew again and became a milestone for the revival of Raphinha as it is now.

"Last season, after my injury, a red card (against Getafe in the first game of the season), and at the end of the season, fans wanted me to leave."

"It also crossed the mind to go. Go somewhere where there is no pressure."

"Then, of course, after the 2022 World Cup I experienced a big change, managed to score great numbers in six months," said the 27-year-old player.

Regarding supporters, Raphinha said she was very upset to see fans who bought Barca's shirt with the number 11 shirt, but changed the name Nico Williams.

As is known, Nico Williams, who is an Athletic Club winger, is predicted to be the replacement for Raphinha last summer.

He felt unappreciated and hurt when he saw the shirts, but he had responded with brilliant performances on the pitch since the start of the season.

The Brazil international looked stunning in his new position, playing on the left wing with the freedom to go inside.

He has scored nine goals and nine assists in 13 appearances in all competitions.

"However, football will not be fun without pressure. Football must have a little pressure."

"I've always dreamed of playing for big clubs, playing big games for the national team. You can't make those dreams come true without pressure, the pressure comes with them."

"So thank God, I didn't let myself get carried away by those thoughts. I'm just focused on working hard and adapting to the new roles I have to play on the pitch," said Raphinha.

Meanwhile, Barcelona will travel to Real Madrid headquarters, Santiago Bernabeu, in the El Clasico match, Sunday, October 27, 2024, early morning WIB.