Flick-favourite Barcelona star admits thinking about exit in the past – ‘There were several moments’

Barcelona winger Raphinha has revealed his internal battles during his time at the Catalan club, admitting to multiple moments where he contemplated departure in his first two seasons.

Despite his current stellar form, including a remarkable hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League this week, the Brazilian’s journey at Barça has been far from smooth since his 2022 move from Leeds United.

The 27-year-old candidly discussed his challenging adaptation period, injury setbacks, and the speculation surrounding his future at the club in an exclusive interview with ESPN before Saturday’s crucial match against Real Madrid.

“Man, there were several moments, not just one [when I considered leaving Barça],” he disclosed.

“My first six months here, the period from the summer transfer window until the World Cup, was a season in which I didn’t have the best of starts, so it crossed my mind to leave the club.”

Reflecting on his mental struggles, he added: “There was a lot of self-doubt. I have a nasty habit of criticising myself heavily, so to speak, so that pressure made me think about leaving.”

The forward has previously expressed particular distress over fans purchasing Barcelona shirts bearing his number but with Nico Williams’ name, amid rumours of the Athletic Club winger potentially replacing him last summer.

However, Raphinha has since flourished in his new role on the left flank, contributing nine goals and nine assists in 13 appearances across all competitions this season.

Addressing his decision to persevere, he stated: “But football is no fun without pressure. Football has to have a little pressure.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing for big clubs, playing big games for the national team, and you can’t realise those dreams without pressure, the pressure comes with it.”

Concluding, the in-form Brazilian, who is one of Hansi Flick’s most trusted players at this point, remarked:

“So, thank God, I didn’t let myself get carried away by those thoughts that, naturally, end up going through your head. I just focused on working hard and adapting to the new roles I’d have to play on the pitch.”

Barcelona head to the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend for the first El Clasico of the season, leading Real Madrid by three points at the top of the table.