Barcelona winger dedicates win vs Villarreal to Ter Stegen, proud of captaining ‘special’ club

Sunday night was a bittersweet one for FC Barcelona as they produced a stunning attacking display to beat Villarreal 5-1 in La Liga, but lost captain and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to a season-ending injury.

Braces from Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha on either side of half-time and a Pablo Torre goal sandwiched in between them secured all three points for Barça, making it six wins in six games in La Liga for them.

Raphinha dedicates win to Ter Stegen

Raphinha, who has made an exceptional start to the season, spoke to the media after the match and dedicated the victory to his injured teammate Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

“This victory goes to Ter Stegen. We know how important he is to us. He is a special person on the pitch and off the pitch, he is always helping and this victory is for him,” the Brazilian winger, who wore the captain’s armband after the German’s injury, said.

The 27-year-old hailed the performance of the team coming into the game after the defeat to Monaco, while also highlighting the contributions of the youngsters who came into the team on Sunday.

“We knew the response we had to give after the game against Monaco and I think we have done well,” he remarked.

“There are players who, even though they don’t play that much, train very well to wait for an opportunity and for those who haven’t got their chance yet, I’m sure they’ll be ready. We have a great squad with a lot of quality and they can all be in the eleven.”

On his personal form

As mentioned earlier, Raphinha has made an exceptional start to the new season, scoring five goals and setting up three more from six games in La Liga.

The 27-year-old, who earned a lot of praise from manager Hansi Flick after the game, reflected on his form, saying:

“Since I’ve been a Barça player it’s my best start of the season, but I think that what’s past is past. I’m much happier for the team’s victory than for my two goals. We played today and we won, but now we have to think about Getafe.”

Raphinha donned the captain’s armband after Ter Stegen’s injury and will now continue to lead the team as the fourth captain until Ronald Araujo or Frenkie de Jong return.

Expressing his pride at being able to play for Barcelona and lead the team as captain, the winger said:

‘This club is quite special for me. I’d be lying to you if I said that I’ve been a Barça fan since I was born, but I grew up and saw how the club played, with so many players that inspired me, that to be able to wear this shirt and show my work here is special for me.

“So there is no better way for me to show and thank the fans for their support than by kissing the crest.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo