In an interview with ESPN, Barcelona winger Rafinha revealed that before Flick took over as Barcelona coach in 2024, he had considered leaving Barcelona for Saudi Arabia.

Rafinha said this: "I started playing football at the age of 15 and experienced many ups and downs, so for a while I felt it was time to think about myself and my family. The offer from Saudi Arabia really made my heart beat. This will not only solve my personal life problems, but also improve the lives of my parents, son and many people."

"Obviously, I We thought about leaving (Barcelona) and I thought it might be time to leave, but then we had a phone conversation with Flick and then we talked again at the beginning of pre-season and he managed to convince me to stay and I'm happy that he did."

Later, Rafinha also mentioned that he felt a lack of respect that summer and revealed that many people wanted him to leave. He continued: "A lot of people wanted me to leave, and I can't possibly list them all. Suddenly, I no longer met their expectations, no longer did what they thought I should do, but I always knew what I could bring."

"I was very committed, maybe they wanted me to score 30 goals a season, but that's not my style. I'm not a striker, but a dedicated, hard-working player, and that's it. Rafinha, I always give my best. Because I am not the kind of player they expect, many people think that I have no future at the club. I know who I am and what I have been through. The opinions of people who do not know me and do not know half of my experience will not affect me."

Last season, Raphinha scored 34 goals in all competitions, far more than the 20 goals he scored in his first two seasons at Barcelona. He has scored three goals in seven games so far this season, but has missed the last three games due to a thigh injury. Sources have told ESPN that he is unlikely to return for Saturday's game against Girona but is expected to return for the El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26.