Rafinha Confirms His Readiness and Comments on Barcelona's Challenges Against Chelsea

Brazilian winger Rafinha, of FC Barcelona, spoke at the press conference ahead of his team's upcoming match against Chelsea in the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, scheduled to take place tomorrow, Tuesday, at Stamford Bridge at 10 PM Egypt time.

Regarding his position on the field, Rafinha said: "I feel more comfortable on the pitch, regardless of the position. I don’t have a preference for a specific spot; I just want to be on the field to help the team. It doesn’t matter if I’m on the right, left, or in the center—the important thing is to be on the field supporting the team."

Regarding his performance and level after the injuries, he added: "I try to be at 100% after recovery. Muscle injuries are difficult, and I have experienced two relapses. I am trying to reach the best physical condition and return at 100% so I can give my best on the field. Everyone is doing their utmost to speed up the recovery process—the doctors, specialists, everyone."

The player also touched on the individual awards, explaining: "You can give your own interpretation. I did what I had to do. When the voting is done by others, they are the ones who should interpret it. I'm not asking anything from anyone. I will continue to give my best, and that's all."

Regarding the match against Chelsea, Rafinha confirmed: "Every season is different from the other. The last time Barcelona was here, many changes have taken place since then, both in the players and in the club overall. Each season is different. Last season, we played great matches in fantastic stadiums. Every match is different, and this will be a great match: two big teams, and the one who makes fewer mistakes will often come out as the winner."

Regarding his injury and absence period, he explained: "There may have been mistakes, but the truth is that I experienced two setbacks from my injury. The first was partly my responsibility, and I believe the second was as well. I take responsibility for both setbacks because of my eagerness to return quickly to help the team. I made a small mistake, and that's why these two setbacks occurred."

He added: "It was a difficult experience, very complicated moments. I always want to be on the field to help the team and play as many minutes as possible. Spending two months without playing was very hard for me personally. Returning after two months of injury is a bit complicated; I need to get back into the rhythm of the matches, and I hope to quickly return to the level that people expect from me."

Regarding his absence from the team, Rafinha said: "I miss the team more than they miss me. I am someone who strives to give my best on the field, both offensively and defensively; it's a part of who I am. I am often the one who constantly pressures my teammates. I believe that the players on the field are there because they have the skill and quality, and I try to help everyone. The first person I need to be the best for is myself: if I am at my best, I can demand more from the team. That’s why I always try to give my best."

Regarding his failure to sign with Chelsea: "I was 100% clear about what I wanted, which was to fulfill my dream of wearing the Barcelona jersey. That’s why I trusted the process, and today I am here wearing the Barcelona jersey."

About his role in the team: "What I do to help is something I create with my own hands. It's not that I'm a leader or a captain or anything like that; I just try to help the team when I see they need me. I remember the physiotherapist was treating Firmin, and there were players who wanted water, so I try to be attentive to everything. I also tried to help by carrying water bottles onto the field. My performance in the stands was worse than my performance on the bench."

Regarding defensive work: "In today's football, the most important thing is good defense, because all teams know how to play and have access to all kinds of information. It's impossible to be completely neutral these days, so the defensive aspect is crucial, and managing it well is the best thing a team can do. The team that defends better has the best chance of winning the match."

About Chelsea: "Since my last match with Leeds, I was aware of the possibility of wearing the Barcelona jersey, and I was aware of Chelsea's interest, but I had a dream I was striving to achieve, and I did my best to be able to wear the Barcelona jersey."