""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.""
"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 and he still has the feeling now that many would have liked to see him make an exit."
Raphinha considered leaving Barcelona for a lucrative Saudi Arabia offer that would have secured his family's financial future. Hansi Flick convinced him to stay during preseason conversations and then made him a key left-sided attacker. Raphinha responded with 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 matches and helped Barcelona win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa. He signed a new contract through 2028 after the season. He felt disrespected during the summer amid transfer rumors and was particularly hurt by a viral photograph of a fan wearing a Nico Williams shirt with his number. He believed many wanted him to leave despite his dedication.
Read at ESPN.com
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