Raphinha confirms Barcelona commitment while leading Brazil Into FIFA World Cup battle

Raphinha confirms Barcelona commitment while leading Brazil Into FIFA World Cup battle

The winger, who has been a key figure for Barcelona since arriving in 2022, spoke ahead of Brazil's opening group match against Morocco on Sunday.

Brazil, who are also set to face Haiti and Scotland in Group C, head into the tournament with high expectations and Raphinha insists his focus remains fully split between club and country.

"As long as my body holds up and allows me to, I'll keep giving everything and doing my best for Barca, and also for the Selecao," he said.

Raphinha also stressed his own demanding standards, saying he constantly pushes himself to improve.

"I'm someone who demands a lot from myself - much more than any coach or fan could demand from me. I'm always trying to test myself to see how far I can go."

While he has delivered consistent performances at club level, he openly admitted there is still a gap to close with his international form.

"At Barca I've performed much better than I have with Brazil. I'm not being hypocritical. My challenge now is to reach the same level with the Selecao that I've achieved at Barcelona."

The forward also reflected on injury setbacks that have limited his international appearances, particularly since the arrival of Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"It's true I missed half of Brazil's matches. It hurt me a lot because I always want to play. Now I want to give everything for the coach and for the group," he said.

Despite the setbacks, Raphinha praised his relationship with Ancelotti and believes his club experience has prepared him for another World Cup challenge.

"Thanks to my time at Barcelona, I feel much more prepared for this second World Cup. I now carry the same responsibility with Brazil that I have at my club."

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