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Raphinha reiterates desire to stay at Barcelona amid Bayern Munich links

Raphinha reiterates desire to stay at Barcelona amid Bayern links
© Reuters
Raphinha expresses his desire to remain at Barcelona and plays down rumours of a possible summer exit amid reported interest from the likes of Bayern Munich.

Raphinha has committed his future to Barcelona and has played down rumours of a possible summer exit amid reported interest from the likes of Bayern Munich.

The 26-year-old joined the Catalan giants for around £55m plus add-ons from Leeds United last summer, and he became a La Liga and Spanish Super Cup champion in the 2022-23 campaign.

Raphinha started 36 times and made 14 substitute outings across all competitions in his debut season under head coach Xavi, contributing with 10 goals and 12 assists.

The Brazil international still has four years remaining on his contract at Camp Nou, but speculation over his long-term future at the club has recently surfaced.

A recent report claims that perennial Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich are plotting a summer swoop for Raphinha, who has been identified by Thomas Tuchel as his top target ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Raphinha in action for Barcelona on October 4, 2022© Reuters

A swift return to the Premier League has also been mooted, with the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United believed to be interested in his services.

However, Raphinha dismissed suggestions that he could leave Barcelona last month and has since reiterated his stance on his position at Camp Nou.

Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the winger said: "I will continue at Barca next season and the one that comes, and the one that comes.

"I have many years of contract and I hope to fulfil those years and many more."

Raphinha has acknowledged that the first part of his debut campaign was "difficult" but he has insisted that he remains "very happy" at Barca and believes Xavi is the 'perfect' coach to get the best out of the club's first-team stars next season.

Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates with the trophy after winning the Spanish Super Cup on January 15, 2023© Reuters

"My first six months were difficult," the Brazilian added. "It was a start to the season in which I scored few goals, few assists and did not have a direct role in the team.

"But then I began to adapt better, my teammates helped me a lot. The Champions League is the goal for next season".

"We have a coach who perfectly knows the way Barcelona play, someone who knows the club perfectly. Xavi knew what he could do with this group".

Raphinha's pledge to remain at Barca comes shortly after striker Robert Lewandowski, who also moved to Camp Nou last summer, played down speculation over a possible switch to Saudi Arabia.

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