Barcelona forward Raphinha has disclosed that he was almost tempted to join the Saudi League this summer,
The Brazil international, who signed a new contract until 2028 this summer, felt a lot of people wanted him to leave after his first two seasons at the club, but was convinced to stay by Flick, who had replaced Xavi Hernández.
In a chat with ESPN, the Brazilian international stated that he seriously considered a potential move before staying in Europe.
“The offer we had from Saudi Arabia really tempted me. It would have solved not just my personal life, but also the lives of my parents, my son… a lot of people.
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“Obviously, we thought about leaving (Barcelona). I thought it might be time to leave, but then we talked to (Flick), first on the phone and then at the beginning of the preseason, and he managed to convince me to stay. I’m glad he did. A lot of people (wanted me out),” he added. “It’s impossible to name them all. Suddenly, I wasn’t doing what they thought I should be doing, what they thought I had to do.
“But I always had a clear conscience about what I was able to deliver. I was extremely dedicated. Maybe they wanted 30 goals per season, which isn’t really my style. I’m not a striker, I’m a player who helps a lot with commitment, with a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work, that’s Raphinha. I’ll always give my best.
“So because I wasn’t the player they expected, many wanted me out, they thought I had.”
