Barcelona captain Raphinha has been on media duty ahead of Brazil’s friendlies against Japan and Singapore and has opened up on his game time and recent decision to undergo surgery.
Raphinha says he wants to play as much as possible for club and country and was a little emotional at times. He also explained his recent decision to bring forward surgery for an ear cyst so that he would be available for Brazil.
The Barcelona star revealed the procedure was just: “a small operation on the ear, nothing
special or serious, to be able to be here.”
Raphinha went on to talk about just how important it is for him to play for the national team.
“From the first time I wore the national team jersey, I’ve always made it very clear that I wanted to be here. I never gave up on the national team, I always did everything in my power. It has always been an honor, a privilege, and nothing will change,” he added.
“It’s the greatest national team in the world, I have no doubt, and we carry the weight of an entire nation wanting to see the national team winning and playing well. When the results don’t happen, we have to be held accountable for it.”
The forward also spoke about his recent injuries and recent comments about his game time that caused some controversy back in Brazil.
“Taking into account everything I’ve been through in the last three call-ups, with three injuries in practically the same area of my leg, what I meant was, simply, that I had to take care of myself. Obviously, I don’t want to get injured again. I want to be available not only for the national team, but also for Barcelona,” he added.
“When you’re on the pitch you don’t think about the discomfort, you want to give your best. I always give 100%. Many times doctors and physiotherapists ask me to calm down, but I can’t change my style of play.
“I want to play every game and as many minutes as possible. I also said that, if my body allows, I will give my best.”
Raphinha also spoke about the conversation he had with Carlo Ancelotti about game time after he picked up an injury and returned early.
“There was nothing out of the ordinary in our conversation. It was a normal conversation after what happened during the last FIFA international break, a super informal conversation about taking care of ourselves and being 100% fit, regardless of the number of minutes on the field.
“I’m coming back from injury, I played a few games for Barcelona and only played the full 90 minutes in the last one.”
The Barcelona captain is expected to skipper Brazil on Saturday when they play Japan in their first friendly of the break.
