Barcelona winger Raphinha has revealed that he came close to leaving the club last summer before Hansi Flick persuaded him to stay.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil [via Mundo Deportivo], the Brazilian admitted that the German manager’s arrival changed everything for him after a difficult spell at Camp Nou.
“Obviously I thought about leaving; I thought it might be time to leave, but then I spoke to the coach, first on the phone and then at the beginning of pre-season, he managed to convince me to stay. And thank goodness he convinced me,” Raphinha said.
He confessed that a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia made him consider an exit.
“The offer we received from Saudi Arabia made me very hesitant. It would have solved my personal life, my parents’, my son’s and many people’s,” he explained. “There came a time when I thought it was time to take care of myself and my family.”
Since Flick’s arrival, Raphinha has flourished, becoming one of Barcelona’s standout performers. The Brazilian registered 34 goals and 22 assists last season and, despite a recent injury setback, has three goals and two assists from seven appearances this term.
The winger is now expected to return soon as he looks to rediscover his best form under Flick’s management.
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