Speaking at a press conference on Friday (13 November), Raphinha made it clear that he has no reluctance to represent Brazil. He said he was always prepared to give his best for the national side whenever his physical condition allowed him to do so. According to the forward, the recent controversy stemmed largely from a misunderstanding of his earlier comments.
The discussion emerged after Raphinha suffered three injuries to the same area while representing Brazil during a recent international break. His primary concern, he explained, was avoiding further setbacks so that he could continue playing regularly for both Barcelona and his country.
He stressed that he had never suggested choosing which international matches he would play or sit out. Rather, his intention was to highlight the importance of managing his fitness and preventing recurring injuries.
For Raphinha, wearing Brazil’s shirt remains a privilege. He said he had always tried to give his maximum whenever called upon to represent his country and that his attitude would not change. His latest comments underline his determination to remain an important part of the national set-up.
The Barcelona forward also addressed the intense scrutiny faced by Brazilian players when results fall short of expectations. He believes footballers must be prepared to accept criticism when they fail to deliver the performances supporters expect.
Brazil are among the most successful and widely followed teams in international football, which naturally brings considerable pressure. According to Raphinha, players understand that responsibility and must be willing to answer for disappointing results.
However, he acknowledged that criticism can take a significant emotional toll. Even when players give everything on the pitch, negative reactions can leave them mentally exhausted or disappointed. Footballers, he pointed out, are human beings and are not immune to emotional pressure.
Raphinha also reflected on his frustration at being unable to perform to his full potential at the World Cup because of injury problems. He had hoped to make a significant contribution as an important member of the squad, but his physical condition prevented him from doing so.
His injury against France subsequently restricted his involvement for Barcelona, limiting the number of matches he could play for the Catalan club. Later, during Brazil’s match against Haiti, the same injury area reportedly caused further problems, raising fresh concerns about his fitness.
The forward also clarified his conversation with Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti following the most recent international break. According to Raphinha, their discussion was informal and straightforward. There were no restrictions imposed on how many minutes he could play for the national team.
Instead, the emphasis was on ensuring that he was fully fit and taking proper care of his physical condition. The conversation was not about limiting his participation but about managing his fitness to reduce the risk of another injury.
Brazil are scheduled to face Japan at the National Stadium in Singapore on Saturday at 4.15pm. Raphinha’s comments ahead of the fixture have helped clarify his position amid the recent debate over his international commitments.
For a player who has become an important attacking option for both Barcelona and Brazil, maintaining fitness is crucial. His ability to contribute consistently depends on avoiding recurring injuries while managing the demands of a demanding club and international schedule.
Raphinha’s message is straightforward: he has no intention of stepping back from international football. As long as he is physically ready, he wants to represent Brazil, play as much as possible and continue giving his best for the national team.
