Barcelona winger Raphinha has lifted the lid on what could have been a major move to Saudi Arabia, admitting that if the offer had landed on his table a year ago, he would have jumped at it.
“Yesterday, someone sent me news of the offer from Saudi… to be honest, I’d have accepted that bid if it was sent last year,” the Brazilian international confessed.
Reflecting on his earlier struggles at the Catalan club, Raphinha revealed that life at Barcelona was no bed of roses when he first arrived, and the staggering financial package from Saudi Arabia would have been a game-changer for him and his loved ones.
“I was struggling mentally at Barcelona… and it was life changing money for my family, so… I’d have accepted,” he admitted, adding bluntly, “Anyone who says he will not go there is just lying.”
However, Raphinha said he eventually decided to stick to his guns, believing he had more to give both to Barcelona and European football as a whole.
“But then I was thinking that I had a lot to offer here in Europe, I still had a lot to offer this club, and I still had a great opportunity to continue representing the national team… then Flick arrived and changed it all for me,” he explained.
According to Raphinha, the arrival of new manager Hansi Flick breathed new life into his Barcelona journey, helping him block out the siren call of Saudi riches and focus on his footballing dreams.
“This is what made me close my ears a little to money, and open my mind more to my dreams at Barcelona,” he said.
One year down the line, Raphinha’s patience and perseverance appear to be paying off in spades. The winger has racked up an impressive 60 goals and assists for both Barcelona and Brazil this season — and he is showing no signs of slowing down.
