The love story between Barcelona and Brazilians has been going on for decades, the historical ties are unbreakable. Many of the players from the colorful Sout American country got under the skin of the fans, left an indelible mark and engraved their names in the club’s greatest achievements. This is especially true for the quartet whose names begin with the letter “R”.From Romario, through Ronaldo and Rivaldo, to Ronaldinho. Each was an inexhaustible source of magic and goals. The fifth appeared as well; the eyes of those who have Barcelona’s colors like a banner in their hearts were glazed over by Raphinha’s moves; he spoiled them already with a goal in the “friendly” El Clasico. He couldn’t have wished for a better debut, and in order to join the ranks of the Brazilian greats who first won over the fans, he will have to deliver a lot more. And to make Barca be Barca again, the creme-de-la-creme of European football, as he said at the presentation.##NAJAVA_MECA_6528607##Raphinha has a thorny road ahead of him, full of ups and downs, but he had to go through that to reach Camp Nou. He started following the path of his idols, Brazilian magicians whom he admired and whose moves he used to imitate on the street. He only wanted to go to one place – to the most fertile football lawn for Brazilians.”There were difficulties about coming because of Financial Fair Play, I knew about that, but I also know that if there is a one percent chance, then you have to have 99 percent faith. That motivated me. I always wanted to be part of Barcelona, it’s my boyhood dream, because my idols played there. The big names of Brazilian football. I hope my stay at the club will be as great as theirs. Everyone made their own story, very beautiful. Now my time has come,” Raphinha began the story for the Spanish media.He persisted in his intention to reach Barcelona, which filled the coffers of Leeds with 58 million euros, and put a smile on Xavi’s face on the American tour. He ‘signed’ the defeat of Real Madrid with a projectile, and then scored a goal and made two assists against Inter Miami. He indicated what he could do and that he could be a good investment, in the same category as his fellow countrymen and predecessors. Maybe so much so that one day in Barcelona they talk about five magical Brazilians with the initial letter “R”.”I tried for a long time and my dream came true to come and play for Barça. I’m still adapting, my teammates and coaching staff are helping me adapt. I want to be ready all the time, whether it’s a game or training. The start is good, I am a striker and I like to score, but also assist with goals. In the two games so far, I have been directly involved in four goals, and there is no better start for Barça than a goal in El Clasico,” said the Brazilian striker and added:That’s a signing! Raphinha tipped the scales in the (un)friendly El Clasico with a missile shot”Being part of El Clasico is a unique feeling. It’s hard to describe what was going through my head, my thoughts were all over the place. I am very happy to score in the first El Clasico and I hope it will be the first of many. When the ball came to me, I controlled it in the best way and finished the play. I knew how to deal with the pressure and I’m happy that I succeeded in that”.Raphinha clicked with his teammates and Xavi from the start, he didn’t regret that he pushed Deco to send him to Barcelona in any way he knew how. Raphinha is enjoying every touch of the ball at the moment.”I was attracted by the style of play that Xavi asks for, the attackers are close to the goal. The way we press suits me, the fact that he expects us to have a lot of contact with the ball and keep it in possession. We play for a large number of goals and that’s good for me. I also like how close he is with the players. I love that about coaches. During this short time at the club, I saw that he always wants to help, knows how to treat the players and is aware of our needs.”Raphinha: “Brazilians at Barcelona? Now my time has come. Each of them created their story, very beautiful. And now I hope to be able to make a story as beautiful as theirs.” pic.twitter.com/6L7SL8JlXR— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) July 26, 2022 Barcelona’s game is under construction, as is Raphina’s relationship with his new club colleagues. He made the best contact with guys who speak Portuguese.”I am very close to Ansu Fati and Ronaldo Araújo, because they both speak Portuguese. I spend the most time with them. But I try to be good with everyone. I’m managing, the team accepted me very well and I’m very grateful for that,” concluded the Brazilian.
