Brazilian winger says “the more competition we have, the better”
Raphinha has said he welcomes the competition Marcus Rashford brings to Barcelona, after the English forward joined the Catalan club on loan this summer.
Rashford completed a season-long loan from Manchester United to Catalonia this summer, joining an attack already boasting Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres.
“When you play with this jersey, with this club, you need to be prepared for all the competition that there is,” said Raphinha.
“In my opinion, the more competition we have, the better. It means that one helps the other progress and that is the most important thing if we want to win titles.”
The Brazilian winger enjoyed a standout campaign at the Catalan club last season, providing 34 goals and 25 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions.
Raphinha said: “Last season was better than the previous one, and I will try for this coming season to also be better than the last.”
The former Leeds United winger signed a contract extension this summer that will keep him at Barcelona until 2028. He says he sees his future in Catalonia but understands that it comes with demands for 100 per cent.
“If Barcelona are happy with me, I’ll stay as long as they want,” said Raphinha. “But I also understand this is a club that requires the highest level.
“If I ever feel I’m not contributing enough, I’ll be the first to say it’s time to move on. But I don’t think we’re anywhere near that point.”
