Raphinha: 'If Xavi wasn't the coach of Barcelona, I wouldn't wear this club's jersey.'

2025-02-09 20:38 © scanpix

"Barcelona" club winger Raphinha praised former coach Xavi ahead of the upcoming match against Sevilla in an interview with the French sports publication L'Équipe:

"If Xavi weren't the coach of Barça, I wouldn't be wearing this jersey."

"He convinced me that I could become an important player.”

"Being a leader means not only wearing the captain's armband on the pitch... Your behavior must always be exemplary.”

You must fight for the team, for the badge, the jersey, and your teammates.”

"My entire focus has always been and is on the Catalan team, not on rumors.”

I felt trust from the people at the club and knew my value. I also understood what I could regularly give to the Barcelona team.”

28-year-old Raphinha is one of the leaders of the team this season and has scored 23 goals and provided 15 assists in 34 matches.