Raphinha: The Flick Call That Saved My Barcelona Career

One phone call from Hansi Flick turned Raphinha from a player ready to leave Barcelona into its captain and No 9.

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What happened. Raphinha told The Guardian he had mentally accepted leaving Barcelona in 2024, but a phone call from Hansi Flick changed his mind. He has since signed a contract extension to 2030 and become club captain and Barcelona's first-choice No 9.

• Flick told Raphinha he was trusted, important and that the team's style would suit him.
• The dressing room voted him in as club captain, third in line, which shifted his mindset.
• With Lewandowski, Torres and Rashford gone, Raphinha filled in at No 9 and kept the role.

“He told me he trusted me, that I would be important to the side.”

— Raphinha

Raphinha's form has helped Barcelona win their opening eight league fixtures, with the Brazilian now central to their title push.

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