Barcelona winger Rafinha has revealed he was on the verge of leaving the club for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia before new coach Hansi Flick convinced him to stay.
The Brazil international told ESPN he seriously considered the move in the summer of 2024, with the financial package described as “life-changing”.
Rafinha faced uncertainty over his future after two mixed seasons at Camp Nou and felt that “a lot of people wanted him to leave” before Flick replaced Xavi Hernandez at the helm.
But the arrival of the German coach changed everything. Flick installed Rafinha as a key part of his attack, and the 27-year-old repaid that faith in spectacular fashion, contributing 34 goals and providing 26 assists in 57 appearances as Barcelona achieved a domestic treble: La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.
“I’ve played football since I was 15, and 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,” Rafinha said.
“The offer we received from Saudi Arabia really tempted me. It would solve not only my personal life, but also the lives of my parents, my son… a lot of people.
“Obviously we thought about leaving (Barcelona). I thought it was time to leave, but then we spoke with (Flick), first on the phone and then at the beginning of the pre-season, and he was able to convince me to stay. I’m glad he did.”
Feeling disrespected
Rafinha has previously spoken about the feeling of disrespect he felt during the same summer, especially when reports linked Barcelona with a move for Athletic Club winger Neco Williams.
A viral photo showing a fan wearing a Williams shirt with Rafinha’s number 11 printed on it added to his frustration.
“A lot of people (wanted me out),” he said. “It’s impossible to mention them all. Suddenly, I wasn’t doing what they thought I should be doing, what they thought I should be doing.”
“But I always had a clear conscience about what I was able to give. I was very dedicated. Maybe they wanted 30 goals a season, and that’s not really my style. I’m not a striker, I’m a player who helps a lot with commitment, with a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work, that’s what Rafinha is. I’ll always give my best.”
“So because I wasn’t the player they expected, many people wanted me to leave and thought I had no future at the club.
“I know who I am, everything I’ve done, everything I’ve been through to get here. This is not the opinion of those who don’t know me, who don’t know half of what I’ve been through, that’s going to mess with my head.”
Back to the form
Ravenha’s revival under Flick has been dramatic. His total of 34 goals last season exceeded the 20 goals he scored during his first two seasons with Barcelona combined, leaving him fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.
This season, he has started strongly by scoring three goals in seven matches, although a thigh injury has ruled him out of Barcelona’s last three matches.
The winger is expected to miss Saturday’s match with Girona, but should recover in time for the Clásico match against Real Madrid on October 26.
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