Rafinha had considered leaving Barcelona, but was grateful for Flick's trust in her.

Brazilian striker Rafinha recently shared in an interview that he had considered leaving Barcelona for a period of time, but after talking with Flick, who had just become Barcelona's head coach at the time, he decided to stay with the team and fight for his place.

Since the start of the 2026/27 La Liga season, Rafinha has contributed 12 goals and 3 assists for Barcelona, and has also scored two goals in the Champions League.

Recalling his feelings when he wanted to leave Barcelona, the now 29-year-old Rafinha said, "At that time, I knew in my heart that I was going to leave. I had made the decision mentally, that's a fact. I was in Brazil at the time, and coach Flick called me. He asked me to talk to him before making a final decision."

“After I met him, Flick told me that he trusted me, that I would become an important member of the team, and that the team’s style of play would suit me well. At that moment, a few simple words can change a person. I could feel his trust in me; he gave me confidence and allowed me to play my own style of football. I made up my mind that no matter what my personal circumstances were, I would give my all and give everything.”

Rafinha said, "The relationship between the coach and the players is the most important thing in football. From the moment Flick arrived, we could talk to him about anything, really anything. Once I saw him with his head down, and I didn't quite understand why, so I asked him what was wrong, and he said he felt the team wasn't playing well."

"As far as I remember, I told him it was okay, we had already won, and we would play well again afterward. I would rather play badly but win a thousand times than play brilliantly but lose. Win the game first, build confidence, and then the great performance will follow. I have always said that, and I will always say it. He changed my mindset and changed me as a person."

It's worth mentioning that Rafinha was also selected as Barcelona's captain this season. Rafinha shared, "When I saw everyone vote for me, it was like a new switch was turned on, and my mindset changed. People saw something in me that I wasn't even aware of, and that changed me."

“Before becoming captain, I didn’t know how much I would like this role, and taking on this responsibility has changed my mindset. I never thought I would enjoy being Barcelona’s captain so much. It’s an honor, not just wearing the captain’s armband.”

In addition, Rafinha said, "I talk less than most captains, but I know everyone is watching me. They'll think that if this character is running like a beast, they have to keep up. If you talk too much but don't do what you're supposed to do, no one will listen to you."

Image source: Internet