Raphinha has described some of the reaction he received following Barcelona’s summer pursuit of Nico Williams as “disrespectful”.
The 27-year-old, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022, referenced a social media post that surfaced featuring a Barcelona fan holding up a club jersey shirt with Williams’ name and Raphinha’s number on the back.
“Yes, I saw a picture in social media with someone printing a Barca shirt with Nico Williams and my number at the back. I left a comment in that post because I think it was disrespectful,” Raphinha said.
“People need to keep their respect to the players from the club who try to do their best for the shirt. It did not sit right with me and the work I do here. But in the end people can do whatever they want.”
During the summer, Barcelona pursued Williams, with The Athletic previously reporting he was at the very top of the club’s priority list in the summer.
The 22-year-old had a release clause in the region of €55million ($59m; £47m), but Barcelona instead went on to pursue other opportunities after it was decided Williams would remain at Athletic for the 2024-25 season.
Despite the rumours swirling around Williams, Raphinha stressed that the situation didn’t serve as extra drive for his performances.
“This wasn’t a special motivation for me to be honest,” he added. “I think my desire to perform at my best also arrives after knowing the contract years I have left with the club. If before I was working at 100 per cent, now I’m at 200 per cent.”
Raphinha has been in impressive form for Barcelona this season, scoring six goals and assisting eight times in 12 appearances.
Barcelona are next in action in the Champions League on Wednesday against Bayern Munich.
(Top photo: Cesar Ortiz/Soccrates/Getty Images)
