Vinicius Jr 'not a bad person', says Raphinha

Raphinha was asked about arch-rivals Real Madrid, and Kylian Mbappe's inconsistent start: "I'm surprised that they haven't managed to do what in theory, on paper, they should have done.

"But football is not theory, football is played on the pitch and that's where you show if you are ready or not, and if you are in good shape or not... All of this is seen on the pitch."

He also made a broad defence of Vinicius Jr: "The Vinicius of the games is completely different from the Vinicius in person. When you get to know him outside of football you realise they are completely different people.

"I have already seen many players who off the pitch are one way and on the pitch they are another. This is normal in football, there are many players like that," he said.

"I try to explain to everyone that Vinicius is not a bad person, he is a spectacular person, a very good person. He's younger than me, but when I came to the Brazilian national team he was already there and he helped me a lot. We get on very well and I also often talk to him and tell him that he doesn't need to do the things he does on the pitch, but I understand him," added Raphinha.

The Barcelona Brazilian used himself as an example: "When I was younger I was heavier than him. It was much more difficult to deal with me, but with time you learn that you don't need some things. Everyone is different, he is like that and I think it gives him confidence on the pitch to do that.

Still, Raphinha says he is resigned: "It's hard to convince people that he is like that when they see him one way on the field. Only if you experience moments with him will you see that I'm right. He is affectionate, he is a person who is always joking, who is always smiling. It's difficult to see Vinicius serious, he's always there."