Raphinha Shines with Barcelona Captaincy Following Villarreal Victory

In their recent La Liga outing at La Ceramica, FC Barcelona secured a convincing victory over Villarreal, underlining a stellar start to their season. Despite suffering a setback with goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen departing the field due to a knee injury, the match offered a memorable experience for Brazilian winger Raphinha.

Raphinha, who found the back of the net twice in the 5-1 win, also had the chance to wear the captain’s armband for the first time. Speaking about his leadership role, Raphinha expressed the emotional significance of the moment. “I won’t lie… I have been a fan since I was a kid. I grew up watching these players and it’s an honor to play here,” remarked the Brazilian. “The captaincy means a lot to me, I’m very emotional. Playing matches as captain of FC Barcelona is very special,” he added.

The Brazilian international has had a commendable start to the season under the guidance of new coach Hansi Flick, contributing five goals and two assists over seven matches. Since joining Barcelona from Leeds United, Raphinha has worked to earn the admiration of Barcelona’s fanbase. His recent performances have marked a transformative period for the player, showcasing his determination and skill on the field.

During the post-match interview, Raphinha dedicated the victory to the injured Ter Stegen, highlighting his importance both on and off the field. “This victory goes to Ter Stegen. We know how important he is to us. He is a special person on and off the pitch,” he said.

Reflecting on the team’s overall performance, Raphinha acknowledged the challenge they faced after their midweek Champions League setback against AS Monaco. “We knew the response we had to give after the game against Monaco and I think we did well,” he stated.

Looking forward, Raphinha emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as they prepared for upcoming matches, including their fixture against Getafe. “I’m much happier with the team’s victory than with my two goals,” he remarked. “We played today and won, but now we have to think about Getafe.”

The winger also expressed his deep connection to the club and the significance of wearing the Barcelona jersey. “This club is quite special to me,” Raphinha explained about his crest-kissing celebration. “Being able to wear this shirt and demonstrate my work here is special to me.”