Raphinha this week rejected any suggestion he made demands to the Brazil coach about playing time, stressing his full availability to represent the national team. The Barcelona winger spoke in Singapore, where the squad is preparing for a friendly against Japan, to clarify a controversy that arose from comments he made during his contract renewal with the Catalan club.
The player, who renewed with Barcelona until 2030 at the start of the month, saw his words interpreted by some fans as an ultimatum. Raphinha explained his intention was simply to care for his physical condition, following a series of thigh injuries in the same area during three consecutive national team call-ups. These physical issues ruled him out of World Cup matches and led to a setback after his return in the friendly against Australia.
"Since the first time I wore the national team shirt, I always left very clear my will to be here," said Raphinha. "I never gave up the Brazilian national team, I always did everything possible to be present."
The Brazil international, who has scored 19 goals in 14 games this season for Barça, acknowledged the criticism affected him. He made a long pause in silence during the interview before continuing his reasoning, stating any player would feel shaken. Raphinha insisted he never dictated whether he should play or not and would be the first to withdraw from the squad if not physically able to perform.
"I will always be available to represent Brazil," he stated. "If my body authorizes, I will always give my best."
His declaration of availability comes after a surgical procedure on his ear, undertaken to remain fit for national team duty. Raphinha described the upcoming match against Japan on Saturday as a good test against a great team. The winger is determined to contribute when called upon, drawing a line under the controversy.
More detail at Folha de S.Paulo
