The Brazilian star Raphinha Diaz, winger for FC Barcelona, revealed that he was very close to leaving the Catalan club recently after receiving a massive offer from one of the Saudi Pro League clubs.

Raphinha explained in statements reported by ESPN that he indeed received a significant financial offer about a year ago, which made him seriously consider embarking on a new experience outside Europe, noting that the offer was enticing enough to bring him close to making a decision to leave.

The player added that the idea strongly crossed his mind, as he felt that the time had come for a different experience away from the atmosphere and pressures of Barcelona, before the situation changed after a lengthy discussion with coach Hansi Flick.

He continued by explaining that Flick first contacted him via a phone call, and then they met face-to-face during the pre-season training camp, where the German coach succeeded in convincing him to stay with the team.

Raphinha pointed out that the conversation with Flick reignited his enthusiasm and motivation to continue, after feeling the coach's confidence and belief in his role within the group, which made him reconsider his decision to leave for good.

The player concluded his statements by saying that the Saudi offer could have completely changed his financial and family future, but in the end, he felt that staying at Barcelona was the best decision for his career at this time.