Raphinha: 'It's difficult but we believe we can come back'
On Wednesday Raphinha was the main attraction in a Q&A session on FC Barcelona's official Youtube channel. The Brazilian responded to various questions put to him by members of the Club's community on the platform, and as ever the winger was happy to answer openly and honestly. On the Barça's chances of coming back from a 4-0 deficit in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid next Tuesday, the Brazilian replied: "It's difficult but we believe we can come back. Playing well is the start and if we don't then the comeback will be a distant hope. But if there is a team that can do it, it is us."
Looking for his best form
The Brazilian also explained how his current form is out on the field after an injury hit campaign so far: "I have had some tough moments this season. I have been injured and unable to what I love most. Injuries are tough mentally, given that most of the time there is no explanation. However, right now I feel good physically and mentally. I am coming back from an injury and I want to get back to my best shape."
Strogonoff, Rashford and Ronaldinho
The fans on the Youtube platform came up with a wide variety of questions. Raphinha answered in natural fashion and with the smile that never seems to leave his face. He views the current first team squad as a "family" with a La Masia full of young talent. He admitted that Marcus Rashford may be a little quicker than him on the field and that Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati were the players who helped him settle when he arrived in Barcelona in 2022.
On a personal he revealed that Stroganoff was his favourite dish and that as a Brazilian he cannot resist a good barbecue, and also extolling the virtues of Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine. Raphinha also recalled first watching Barça games with the arrival of his countryman Ronaldinho at the Club.
The most entertaining moment of the interview came towards the end when his team mates sounded off some klaxons to try and sabotage his appearance. "It's the youngsters," said Raphinha, once again with that familiar smile on his face.