Raphinha talks Barcelona renewal, Lamine, Ancelotti, Deco, goal-scoring form, Champions League ambition: ‘Feeling of immense pride’

Raphinha talks Barcelona renewal, Lamine, Ancelotti, Deco, goal-scoring form, Champions League ambition: ‘Feeling of immense pride’ Barcelona have officially confirmed that Raphinha has signed a contract extension until 2030, securing the future of one of Hansi Flick’s most influential players.  The announcement rewards the Brazilian’s outstanding performances, with the Barcelona number 11 recording 19 goals and three assists in 13 appearances this season. It has been the most productive start of Raphinha’s career, and his new agreement reflects the importance he has established at the club.  Speaking during his official presentation , the forward expressed his pride at extending his Barcelona journey and made clear that he would like to remain beyond his current playing contract if his physical condition allows it. “It’s a feeling of immense pride for me and my family. Only we know what we go through internally. I feel very proud of everything I’ve achieved, both individually and collectively. “I hope to have many more years; if my legs allow me to continue at a high level, I would love to finish my career at the club. I do everything I can for the club.” Raphinha opens up on future and relationship with Lamine Yamal Raphinha insisted that individual awards are not his motivation, explaining that his priority is continuing to give everything for Barcelona.  He also dismissed the suggestion that there is a rivalry between him and Lamine Yamal, instead expressing his desire to see the teenager succeed. “I always say that, if my body allows it, I’ll give my all for the club. Not to compete for an individual award. “If I feel good and my body holds up, I’d be absolutely delighted to stay until 2030 and beyond. The rivalry with Lamine isn’t something we see as a rivalry. “I want him to have the best statistics and achieve everything with the club. If you ask him, he’ll tell you the same. I’d be happy if he won 10 Ballon d’Ors.” The Brazilian also addressed comparisons with the legendary players from his country who represented Barcelona, explaining that he wants to establish his own place in the club’s history. “I don’t like making comparisons. They made history at the club and are cherished by Barça fans. I’m doing my absolute best to earn a place in the hearts of the Cules. “When I first arrived, during my first two years, I never imagined I’d still be here. A lot of people criticised me.  “I knew what I was capable of and what I could bring on the pitch. I had a lot of faith in my work.” Raphinha also reflected on the criticism he received during his first seasons and the pressure surrounding his position at Barcelona. “From the very first day I arrived, I’ve given my all, both on the pitch and in the changing room. “I didn’t get the results people expected of me at the start, but I always knew what I had to do. I’ve given my all. “I’ve scored plenty of goals in the two seasons when they wanted to get rid of me from the club – when you see that people want to get rid of you, you can’t work in peace.” Barcelona forward explains remarkable goal-scoring form Raphinha admitted that his current numbers have surprised him, particularly because he has regularly changed positions to meet the team’s needs.  The Brazilian explained that adapting to different attacking roles has been part of his approach throughout his Barcelona career. “I’ve been surprised by the figures. I didn’t expect to have scored so many goals by this stage.  “I’ve changed positions a lot at the club, always looking out for the best interests of my teammates and the manager. “I try to adapt quickly. When they told me to play as a ‘number 9’, I gave it my all to adapt. “I knew I could score goals, given the quality we have, but the figures have surprised me a bit. Now I think we can go much further.” He also explained that playing as a centre-forward has not required a major change to his natural movement and dismissed the idea that he has sought advice from fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus. “The movements come very naturally. I didn’t have to learn it. I don’t ask Gabriel Jesus for advice. He has different qualities.  “I’m someone who watches new players a lot. I watch closely to improve my game.” The Barcelona forward also spoke about his relationship with Deco, who was his agent when he arrived at the club and has since become a close friend. “When I arrived, Deco was my agent; we’ve now been close friends for 10 years. “Deco has been like a father to me, because he’s done so much for me both personally and in my football career, believing that I could play for a club like this. “I don’t have an agent at the moment; when it comes to contract renewals, I sort it out with my family.” Raphinha discusses injury, Brazil and Champions League ambitions Raphinha also addressed his physical condition following an injury and his involvement with the Brazil national team under Carlo Ancelotti.  He acknowledged that he was not yet fully fit but reassured Barcelona supporters that he was working towards his best condition. “As a manager, Ancelotti knows he has to rotate the squad. An injury – which also affects my call-up to the Brazil squad – wouldn’t have come at a time when I was in peak physical condition. “We’ve spoken. I’m recovering from an injury. I’m feeling very good, but not 100 per cent. Barça fans shouldn’t worry; I always do my utmost to be in top physical condition.” The forward was also asked about playing in the Champions League following the passing of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.  Raphinha acknowledged the tragedy and said the club would follow the decisions made by those responsible. “I want to play because that’s our job. There are people responsible for deciding these matters. We’d do whatever the club says. It was a tragedy. “Something that affected me deeply. One way to honour him is to keep working.” Winning silverware remains his biggest ambition during the new contract, with the Champions League standing out as a particularly important target. “Every footballer wants to be recognised for the trophies they’ve won. My aim is to win as many trophies as possible. So far, things are looking good and hopefully we’ll keep it that way. “There’s one trophy in particular – the Champions League – which we’re aiming to win. We’re doing everything we can to win it. I want to win every possible trophy up until 2030.” Acknowledging the defeats Raphinha also assessed Barcelona’s recent performances, including their matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, while insisting that the team remain in a strong position. “The team is doing very well. We’ve won since the Real Madrid game. We’re in good form. These are tough defeats, but that doesn’t change the way we work. “We know how strong PSG are – they’re the two-time European champions – and against Madrid, anything can happen in a Clásico. Perhaps we weren’t quite sharp enough defensively. “We’ve dropped three points, but we’re still top of La Liga and in good form. I want to win the Champions League, but I also want to win the other three titles we’re competing for.” Looking ahead to the clash with Atletico Madrid, the Brazilian stressed the importance of respecting Diego Simeone’s side while maintaining confidence in Barcelona’s own ability. “They knocked us out, but we won the last match. I think our record from the matches we’ve played there is positive. “We know how strong we are. When we’re fully focused and driven by our goal, we’re very strong. We have to have a lot of respect for Atleti,” he concluded.