Barcelona superstar clarifies his future after exit rumours – “People don’t like seeing me here” | OneFootball

A recent report from Diario SPORT sent shockwaves through the Barcelona fanbase, claiming that Raphinha was reconsidering his long-term future at the club and had even received offers from Saudi Arabia.

Now, the Brazilian has hit back directly in an interview with ESPN. His comments come shortly after his wife Taia Belloli reacted to the SPORT article with a string of laughing emojis.

It also comes just days before Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid, where Barcelona can clinch the La Liga title.

Raphinha sets the record straight

The Barcelona captain did not hold back when addressing the speculation surrounding his future.

“Ever since I arrived at Barcelona, from day one there’s been speculation that I’m going to leave this club. I think people don’t really like seeing me here. Especially the press… there’s one guy who just tells lies,” he said.

He then aimed his criticism directly at the journalist behind the story.

“The one who wrote that article has also written other things about me that were lies, saying that I met with the club, that I spoke to people internally and said I was undecided, that I didn’t know if I would continue or not at Barcelona.

Raphinha is not thinking about a Barcelona exit. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“That guy only tells lies, every time he posts some news he has to leave out some irrelevant things that come out of his mouth,” he added.

On winning the title against Real Madrid

Raphinha also addressed the prospect of clinching the league title in El Clasico this Sunday, striking a measured but excited tone.

“To be honest, the standout thing for me is winning the league, no matter the opponent. For the fans, and for those who’ve spent longer at the club, it’s a hugely special thing to be able to win against our biggest rivals,” he said.

“But for me, the most important thing is winning the league. If it has to be against them, that’s even better too,” he concluded.

At 29, Raphinha has been one of Barcelona’s most consistent performers since joining four seasons ago.

He currently has 19 goals and seven assists in 31 matches this season, and is considered indispensable by Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.