Raphinha defends Brazil minutes remarks and says he wants to play every match

Remarks at the contract renewal

Raphinha, who plays for Barcelona, faced a strong backlash in Brazil over remarks he made when he renewed his contract with the club. He said he had spoken with Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and that the two had agreed to manage his minutes during this international break. Many in Brazil read the comments as dismissive, coming from a player who has yet to lead the national team to a major title. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick warned his captain not to repeat past mistakes, and said he would be happy if the club could manage his playing time a little.

A clarification in Brazil

Raphinha met the press on Friday, 13 November, ahead of Brazil's friendly against Japan, and at times he struggled to hold back tears. He said he had believed his earlier answer was clear in his own mind, but that after three recent call-ups in which he picked up injuries in practically the same part of the leg, he had meant only that he needed to look after himself. He opened with a defence of his commitment to the national team.

“Since the first time I wore the national team shirt, I made my desire to be here very clear.”

He rejected the idea that he had chosen which matches he would or would not play. He insisted that wearing the Brazil shirt had always been an honour and a privilege, and that this would not change. His aim, he said, was to explain that he wants to be available for every fixture.

“I want to play every match and as many minutes as possible. I also said that, if my body allows me, I will give my best.”

Injuries and Barcelona's concern

The three injuries in his last three Brazil call-ups have worried Barcelona, according to Spanish reports. During the September-October break he had to return early to Barcelona because of a muscle problem, and the club's concern grew from there. El Periódico reports that he had a cyst removed from his left ear the day after the Clásico, an operation the club did not announce. Barcelona's sporting department, quoted by El País, felt his remark had been ordinary and that the reaction in Brazil had been harsh. Raphinha admitted the criticism had affected him.

“It is hard for criticism not to affect us. We are human beings.”

What comes next

Brazil's two friendlies in this break are against Japan and Singapore, with the match against Japan set for Saturday, 14 November, in Singapore. Flick said he had no doubt the forward could keep his scoring rate up for the whole season. Raphinha said that once he can no longer perform physically, he will be the first to step aside. He also said he is very self-critical, a point he made when defending his position on fitness.