Raphinha Speaks On Move to Saudi Arabia

Raphinha has told ESPN he considered leaving Barcelona for life changing money in Saudi Arabia before Hansi Flick took over in 2024.
The Brazil international, who signed a new contract until 2028 this summer, felt a lot of people wanted him to leave after his first two seasons at the club, but was convinced to stay by Flick, who had replaced Xavi Hernández.
The German coach made Raphinha a key part of his side, utilising him on the left of the attack, and the former Leeds United forward responded with 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 games as Barça won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa.
“I’ve been playing football since I was 15, I’ve been through good times and bad times everywhere, so there came a point when I thought it was time to take care of myself and my family,” Raphinha told ESPN.
Raphinha has said he received an offer to leave Barcelona from Saudi Arabia Alex Caparros/Getty Images
“The offer we had from Saudi Arabia really tempted me. It would have solved not just my personal life, but also the lives of my parents, my son… a lot of people.
“Obviously, we thought about leaving [Barcelona]. I thought it might be time to leave, but then we talked to [Flick], first on the phone and then at the beginning of the preseason, and he managed to convince me to stay. I’m glad he did.”
Raphinha spoke at the time about the lack of respect he felt was shown to him that summer, with reports of Barça’s interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams particularly irking him.
He said he was especially hurt when a photograph of a fan wearing a Williams shirt with his No. 11 on the back went viral and he still has the feeling now that many would have liked to see him make an exit.