Raphinha admits Saudi offer 'tempted' him to leave Barcelona

The Brazilian player had a poor start to life at Barcelona.

Before Hansi Flick took control in 2024, Raphinha told ESPN he thought about leaving Barcelona for a club in Saudi Arabia in order to earn money that would change his life.

After his first two seasons with the club, the Brazil international believed that many people expected him to leave. Then came Flick, who had taken Xavi Hernández’s role, and persuaded him to stay. The player then agreed to a new contract until 2028 this summer.

Raphina reveals he thought of leaving Barcelona for Saudi money

Using him on the left side of the assault, the German coach made Raphinha a core member of his team. The former Leeds United forward reacted by scoring 34 goals and dishing out 26 assists in 57 games as Barça won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa.

“I’ve been playing football since I was 15, I’ve been through good times and bad times everywhere, so there came a point when I thought it was time to take care of myself and my family,” Raphinha told ESPN.

“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.”

“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.”

Raphinha spoke at the time about the lack of respect he felt was shown to him that summer, with reports of Barça’s interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams particularly irking him.

He said he was especially hurt when a photograph of a fan wearing a Williams shirt with his No. 11 on the back went viral. He still has the feeling now that many would have liked to see him exit.

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