Raphinha says he had decided to leave Barcelona in 2024 as the club pursued Nico Williams, but Hansi Flick called him in Brazil and asked to talk before a final decision. He stayed, later became captain and has agreed a new deal through 2030.
Barcelona missed out on Williams. In their meeting, Flick told Raphinha he trusted him, expected him to be important and thought the team's style would suit him; Raphinha said the reassurance gave him confidence to play his football.
Barcelona's players had previously voted Raphinha into the leadership group before Flick appointed him captain. Raphinha said the responsibility changed his mentality; he speaks less than most captains and sees his effort on the pitch as a way to set an example.
