Father of former Barcelona star reveals why player never joined Flamengo | OneFootball

Thiago Alcântara and Rafinha are Already Retired

Thiago Alcântara has been linked to Flamengo, while Rafinha, brother of the former Barcelona (ESP) player, expressed a desire to play for the Most Beloved. In an interview, Mazinho, the athletes' father, revealed that he had conversations with the red-black team about possible transfers.

— It almost happened. I talked several times with the people from Flamengo, I even spoke with Braz. I met with him both in Barcelona and in Brazil. But there were times when I didn't want Rafa to return to Brazil. There is instability for those who are abroad and come to play in Brazilian football, which is not easy — said Mazinho, in an interview with 'Charla Podcast'.

— I was very afraid of this situation: of him coming here and not meeting the expectations that everyone creates. It's very complicated. Many times it's even easier to adapt abroad than to return home. We talked several times about the possibility of bringing them, both Rafa and Thiago — he emphasized.

WHAT IS THE CONTEXT OF THE SITUATION?

Flamengo has shown interest in midfielder Thiago, a former player of Barcelona and Liverpool (ENG), but did not advance in negotiations. Mazinho highlighted that the former Spanish National Team midfielder never showed a desire to play in Brazil, complicating a possible agreement.

— Thiago never showed much desire to come to Brazil. He has a more European mindset, his whole life is structured there. Rafa, on the other hand, always comes to Brazil, every year. He always had this connection. But Thiago and his family are fully established abroad. His wife and children are from there, and that makes any change even more difficult — he concluded.

WHO ARE THE TWO PLAYERS?

Thiago Alcântara went through the Flamengo youth academy between 1995 and 1996, before moving to Europe. It was at Barcelona that the midfielder gained notoriety, becoming an important piece for Pep Guardiola at the Spanish club and also at Bayern Munich (GER).

Additionally, Thiago played for Liverpool, where he ended his career due to frequent injuries. Rafinha, on the other hand, didn't have many opportunities at Barcelona and was loaned out several times. The midfielder played for Celta (ESP), Inter Milan (ITA), PSG (FRA), Real Sociedad (ESP), and Al-Arabi (QAT). The player is currently retired.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.