Raphinha: "Putting Nico Williams' name on my number 11 shirt was disrespectful"

Raphinha is aiming to claim revenge for his side ahead of Barcelona's Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, as he continues to shine under Flick in this start to the 2024/2025 season. “The mindset with which I started this season is different compared to past season," said the Brazilian. "The confidence and trust that my coach and teammates have put in me is very important for me. Being Barca captain is also special”.

Additionally, the captain has taken the press conference as an apportunity to address transfer speculation circulating around social media, as he referenced a surfaced post featuring a fan holding up a Barcelona shirt with Williams’ name and Raphinha’s number on the back. Raphinha explained that fans should "respect the players who are here, no matter who they are," regardless of transfer talk.

“Yes, I saw a picture in social media with someone printing a Barca shirt with Nico Williams and my number at the back. I left a comment in that post because I think it was disrespectful,” Raphinha said. "It did not sit right with me and the work I do here. But in the end people can do whatever they want.”

Nico Williams was pursued by Flick's side, as reports claimed he was the club’s priority sigining in the summer. Nevertheless, the move never materialised in the end as Williams decided to remain at Athletic Bilbao for the 2024-25 season. Whether the 'Blaugrana' will manage swoop the Spaniard for next season is yet to be seen.

 

October 22, 2024