Raphinha is poised to make his return for Sunday’s El Clasico at the Camp Nou, and ahead of this highly anticipated showdown, the Brazilian sat down with Movistar for a comprehensive interview. He discussed his injury recovery, his long-term future at the club, and his thoughts on teammate Lamine Yamal.
The winger suffered a setback during a friendly with Brazil in the United States, which sidelined him for the Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid. He spent time recuperating in Brazil before returning to Barcelona to prepare for the Clasico.
**What Raphinha Said Ahead of El Clasico**
Raphinha was characteristically direct when assessing the challenge ahead. “The rival suits me, maybe. I am looking for my best version again. I’m still a little short. We expect it to be a quite complicated match; they still have mathematical possibilities of winning the league, so they are not going to give us anything. If we win, let’s celebrate the league,” he said (via Diario SPORT).
All eyes are on Raphinha ahead of the Real Madrid clash (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
When asked about filling in on the right flank in Lamine Yamal’s absence, Raphinha was quick to manage expectations with humility. “If I play on the right wing, don’t expect anything special because I am not Lamine. Lamine is a star and the things he does,” he stated.
On the topic of his long-term future at Barcelona, amid recent speculation linking him with a departure, Raphinha was open and straightforward, reaffirming his desire to stay. “I see myself here for many years. I have a contract until 2028 and if the club wants to talk to me, I am open,” he concluded.
Hansi Flick opted for caution in the last game against Osasuna, but the Brazilian is expected to play a key role as Barcelona lock horns with Los Blancos tonight.
