In a joint interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, The Guardian, and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Raphinha stated, "If I hadn't had that conversation with Flick, I wouldn't be at Barcelona right now." He also revealed how he came to play as Barcelona's number 9 and expressed his belief that Barcelona "has the ability to win any title," including the Champions League.

The Barcelona captain said, "The coach (Flick) changed my life. I will always say that, always, always. He is the one who changed my mentality, both at the club and as a person." He elaborated, "In 2024, when he arrived at the team, I actually thought my career at Barcelona was over. My mind wasn't here anymore; I wanted to leave. If I hadn't had that conversation with Flick, if he hadn't convinced me in those few minutes that he needed me and trusted me, then I wouldn't be here now. For me, that conversation was crucial."

He described how the conversation came about: "I was still on vacation after finishing the Copa América, and he called me and said, 'Before you make a decision, come over and let's talk.' Of course, I did. He told me he felt I would still be very important to the team, and that the team would also help me become a better player. Looking back now, things have happened exactly as he said."

Raphinha recalled, "He didn't give me specific reasons, nor was there any need to explain everything in detail. When a coach conveys trust, a few words are enough. I quickly felt his complete trust in me."

During the interview, Raphinha discussed the importance of wearing the captain's armband. Regarding his transition to number 9, he explained, "It was more of a gradual process, an adaptation that happened over the past two years. I gradually started moving into the center, playing more centrally, and thus getting closer to the opponent's goal. I really like this position because it works incredibly well for me."

He revealed that his first appearance as a number 9 came in a friendly match in Basel: "Because Hamza didn't need to start then, we tried it. Later, before the match against Elche, the coach asked if I was comfortable playing there, and I said it was fine."

Raphinha described Yamal as his "little brother" and unreservedly backed him as the top contender for the Ballon d'Or: "Without a doubt, he should win the Ballon d'Or. This award should go to those who excel individually while also winning collective honors. For me, his talent and charisma are the most important reasons he should win this award."

He added, "Yamal's statistics are exceptional. Not just this season, his numbers were excellent last season too, and now he's started the new season in great form. He helped Barcelona win two of three titles and also won the World Cup with Spain. He is the top candidate and should win the Ballon d'Or."

Regarding both he and Pedri being excluded from the Ballon d'Or shortlist, Raphinha said, "I don't dwell on this anymore. I just want to say that if Yamal wins, it would be a comfort to me and make me happy."

Raphinha also expressed confidence about Barcelona's Champions League prospects: "Everyone who was on the field remembers how painful the loss to Inter Milan in 2025 was. We had one foot in the final then. But we also knew that team was very young and lacked some maturity—we didn't know how to control the game. Now, we feel more prepared. We have everything we need to win any title."

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com