Barcelona talisman credits Flick for changing the course of his career: ‘He’s a very special person’ | OneFootball

Raphinha was one of the key protagonists of Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Sevilla last night as he scored twice from the penalty spot in the first period and once in the second half to complete a hat-trick.

The Brazilian star was sensational on the night, and Hansi Flick and Co. will hope the hat-trick gets him back into the goal-scoring mood that made him one of the best players on the planet last season.

It is clear at this point that Raphinha is one of Barcelona’s most important players and leaders on the field, and the player shares a special bond with the manager. His form, needless to say, will count massively in the business end of the season.

Raphinha’s interview

Speaking to DAZN (h/t SPORT) in a recent interview, the Barcelona captain clearly explained how his current success at Barcelona would not have been possible without Hansi Flick.

“I do not hide this. Flick was the person who changed me. Not the mentality because I’ve always had it, but he changed my belief of knowing where I could get.”

“[He showed me] Where I could get as a player and how to evolve as a person. I always say it, he changed everything for me and I don’t hide,” he added.

Raphinha then revealed how he was actually close to leaving Barcelona at the time of Flick’s arrival and how everything changed in that moment.

“I was about to leave Barça and he was the person who called me and told me that he counted on me at the club. We continue to do good things and he has practically changed my career. He’s a very special person.”

Raphinha credits Flick for his success at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The player also narrated a humorous anecdote about the first night after he signed as a Barcelona player and how he celebrated it.

“When I signed the contract, I got a shirt with my name and everything that appears in the photo, and I took it home and slept wearing it.”

On Neymar and Ronaldinho

Later in the interview, the winger was asked to pick between Neymar Jr. and Ronaldinho, two legends of the game from his home country.

“Choosing one of the two is quite complicated. In the end they are two people who inspired me in my career. I’ve met both of them in person,” he began.

Speaking on Ronaldinho and the impact he has had on his game, Raphinha said,

“He was a person whom I saw play since he was a child. He was a person who inspired me to play football, his way of playing, his way of being, his happy way of being.”

He also praised Neymar for his wonderful career and named him as an inspiration.

“Then, being a little older, I began to follow Neymar’s career and everything he has done. They are two people who have inspired me a lot in football, and outside of it too.”

Finally, the player concluded on what it means to have met both his idols in person and what they mean to him on a personal level.

“After meeting them personally, you end up becoming more of their fans. They are two spectacular people.”

“When I met them, I was much more enchanted by the simplicity and for always helping others,” he added.