Raphinha has revealed how he leaves his club rivalry aside when he meets up with Real Madrid stars while on international duty with Brazil.
The Barcelona forward plays alongside the likes of Vinicius Jr, Eder Militao and Rodrygo for the Selecao but insists there’s no problem between the players when they are away from their clubs.
“I never noticed that, at least not in the cases of Vini and me, or Rodrygo, Militão, and Endrick. When we join the national team, the club rivalry practically disappears
because we know we’re here defending our country regardless of where we play. I don’t think it’s forced. It’s not a case of, ‘I have to get to the national team and I have to exclude that part.’ No. It’s something that happens naturally,” he told TNT Sports.
“We arrive at the training camp and we get along well. Even in the Clásicos, we respect each other; each of us defends our team with whatever we have to offer, but when we get to the national team, the rivalry ceases to exist.
“We leave the clubs aside and focus on the national team. Sometimes we get heated, yes, but that’s normal. If a Clásico didn’t get heated, it wouldn’t be a Clásico.”
Raphinha has been named in the Brazil squad for this summer’s tournament. Vini Jr and Endrick are also on Carlo Ancelotti’s list along with Neymar.
