Raphinha: Surprised to play as a centre-forward, and this is the secret behind my celebration with Yamal

Raphinha, the star of Barcelona, has revealed several details about his journey with the Catalan team during an interview on the "Tú diràs" program on RAC1. He spoke about his new role as a central striker, his relationship with Hansi Flick, receiving the captain's armband, his future with the club, and the behind-the-scenes moments of celebrating goals with Lamine Yamal.

Raphinha spoke about his current level with Barcelona, saying: "You could say I am living the best moment of my career, I expected to start the season well. These are numbers that might scare, but considering the work I have been doing, it could have happened. No, I am not surprised, although I am surprised to be playing as a centre-forward."

"I am also surprised by how comfortable I feel. Playing with my back to defenders is difficult because they throw some hits at you," he added, before joking: "It seems I am a better striker than a winger and I didn't know that; I can adapt to any position, you have to have the right mentality."

Raphinha revealed details of Flick informing him about playing as a central striker, saying: "Before the match against Basel this summer, Flick told me during one of the training sessions that I would be the striker instead of Lewandowski, and that I would also be on the left wing. I had doubts because people judge you by the number of goals you score."

He continued his talk about his relationship with Lewandowski: "Lewandowski hasn't called me, but I have a picture of us in my locker that we took at the end of last season. I could have refused to play as a central striker and let Gordon occupy that position, but I chose to take on the challenge and adapt to the team's requirements."

Raphinha spoke about his future with Barcelona, saying: "Yes, I am thinking about renewing. At the moment, there are preliminary talks, nothing official. When I renewed my contract, I did so until 2028, and I thought I would be 30 or 31 years old by then, and I didn't know how I would be physically. But with the way I have started this season, I believe I can continue for several more years, and I would be very happy to extend my contract. I hope to finish my career here without needing to go somewhere else."

Regarding the rumors linking him with a departure, he said: "Rumors come from everywhere. I will not leave unless the coach says he does not rely on me, but if I am performing at the required level, I will stay. In 2024, I received a very good offer from Saudi Arabia, and it could have changed the lives of many of my family members. The numbers were very tempting, but the arrival of Flick was important for my continuity."

Speaking about his goals this season, Raphinha said: "I have a specific number written down on a piece of paper, and I set myself a target for this season, but I won't reveal it. I have scored nine goals in La Liga and two in the UEFA Champions League."

When comparing his scoring rate to that of Lionel Messi, he said: "It seems crazy. In the end, you are surpassing the best player in history and in the world; my personal goal is to win the Champions League and achieve another La Liga title, that would be amazing."

Raphinha has spoken about the Ballon d'Or, confirming his dissatisfaction at not being among the nominees, saying: "This is unfair. Not just for me, but also for Pedri, I have a clear idea that Lamine Yamal will win it. He must win it for sure."

He concluded about the secret behind his goal celebrations with Lamine Yamal, stating that the idea for the celebration came from a video, while explaining that the Spider-Man celebration is dedicated to his son: "My son asked me for another celebration in the style of Iron Man."