Raphinha said in his statements: “If they had made me this offer last year, I think I would have gone. At that time, I was feeling frustrated, and this offer would have changed my life completely, not just my life but also my wife’s and family’s life. The amounts were huge, and anyone who says they wouldn’t think about it is lying because it’s impossible to see numbers like that and not think about how it could change your life.”
He added: “This opportunity would have changed our lives in every way, and no one can deny that big money has an impact, but in the end, these decisions were about a certain mental state.”
Despite the enticing offer, Raphinha confirmed that he is not thinking about leaving Barcelona now, saying: “Today, I see that I have a lot to offer this club. I still believe that I can achieve more here in Europe, and I want to continue representing the Brazilian national team. This is what made me close my ears to money and open my mind more to my dreams and ambitions.”
In the current season, Raphinha is having a fantastic time with Barcelona as they compete for a treble after winning the Spanish Super Cup, and he is considered one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or thanks to his remarkable performance this season.
Raphinha has scored 30 goals and provided 19 assists in various competitions so far, and he is currently second in the UEFA Champions League top scorers list with 12 goals, just one goal behind Borussia Dortmund’s striker Serhou Guirassy.
