Raphinha admitted that he felt disrespected when he saw the Nico Williams Barcelona shirt on social media.
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Raphinha “disrespected” over Nico Williams Barca shirt
Barca were interested to pursue the Athletic Club and Spain winger last summer, which raised questions about Raphinha’s future.
A photograph of a fan wearing a Williams shirt with Raphinha’s No. 11 on the back went viral on Instagram.
The Brazilian admitted that he felt hurt during the transfer window.
“I saw those [posts] with the shirt on Instagram,” he said in a news conference. “I thought it was a joke in bad taste and it was disrespectful.
“People need to respect the players that are here. We’re here giving our best and fighting for the club. To see a photo like that wasn’t very nice for me, I took it as a lack of respect.
“Of course, people are free to do what they want, but I did feel a little hurt in that moment.”
Fine form
Raphinha, 27, started the season in excellent form.
The former Leeds United player has recorded six goals and six assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
He was even named LaLiga’s Player of the Month for August, as Barcelona currently leads the league table.
Raphinha insisted that the summer speculation did not contribute to his improvement.
“It wasn’t an added motivator to start the season in the way I did,” he added. “I was anxious to give my best for the club. Seeing how many years of my contract I have here [until 2027], it was a crucial point.
“I started the season knowing to play here I have to adapt to different positions and a different style of play. In the past I gave 100%; now I give 200% and I’m always willing to do that for this club.
“[It has been] part mental and part tactical, but also it’s very important for me to have the confidence of the coach and my teammates. My mentality at the beginning of the season was different from other years. I knew I had to adapt to a new position to play here.”
Barcelona’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich on Wednesday will mark Raphinha’s 100th appearance for the Catalan club.
