It is one thing to not succeed at Barcelona, and it is another completely to not try. The second option is unacceptable, and players who are unable to commit to the club do not find a place there. In the case of the first scenario, however, the reality at Barcelona is perhaps slightly less hurtful.
Despite their prestige and quality, it has not been beyond Barcelona to entrust people with second chances every now and then. At times, players are unable to perform at their best level, and the Catalan club does end up awarding them the chance to make things right.
One player who definitely had to go through such a second chance was Raphinha. Following his arrival for the 2022/2023 season, the Brazilian winger was unable to make the mark that he would have liked and was hardly a player who was seen as anything more than a secondary right-winger who was forced towards the left wing.
However, if the 27-year-old can be complimented for one thing, it is his persistence. Even this season, despite the hurdles he faced, Raphinha came out stronger than he did last season at least on an individual level with his quality of contributions and overall performance as well.
Now, as recently highlighted by SPORT, the Brazilian winger was recently seen defending Barcelona when a fan of the National team, or so it seems, was verbally attacking the Blaugrana club, to which the Barcelona winger replied in English:
“Don’t you understand? I said you’re not funny.”
The South American forward seemed visibly frustrated with the fan and voiced it as well. This defending of the Barcelona badge has been well received on social media as well, with many fans of Barça rushing to commend Raphinha for his act of loyalty to the Catalan club.
As far as these fans are concerned, while the player may still not be a guarantee at a sporting level, his commitment to Barcelona is absolute. In that regard, at least, almost no one can have any complaints with the player when it comes to his dedication and devotion to FC Barcelona.
For Raphinha himself, however, the priority that he focuses on currently lies with the Brazilian National team. He will be taking part with the South American side in the Copa America and looks to be a starter in the upcoming opener for them against Costa Rica over in Los Angeles.
