Brazilian and Barcelona winger, Raphinha, has apologised after his outburst when he was substituted for Ferran Torres on the 83rd minute of their Europa League encounter against Manchester United.
The game at the Camp Nou involving both European heavyweights finished in a score draw with Raphinha netting the equalizer to bring the game to parity.
Raphinha angrily walked off the pitch when he was substituted on Thursday and he showed his rage on Marcos Alonso’s seat in the dugout.
Raphinha’s public apology
Following the incident, Raphinha sent out an apology to Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez and afterwards, the winger came out to issue an apology to the public on Friday.
Raphinha said: “I’ve already apologised and I will do it again in training. I want to say sorry for my reaction after the change, it won’t happen again”.
The Brazilian further added: “I don’t have any problem with Xavi or the club, I just wanted to be on the pitch.”
It was a thrilling match involving two gigantic teams with Raphinha playing an integral role for Barcelona on the night.
Raphinha delivered a well timed cross to find the head of unmarked Marcos Alonso who drew the first blood for Barcelona in the game.
Manchester United then responded almost instantly with goals from Marcus Rashford and an own goal off a cross from Marcus Rashford.
Raphinha once again had another impact restoring parity as his cross into the box shockingly found its way into the net.
Manchester United host Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday, February 23.
Raphinha signed for Barcelona from The Peacocks in a deal worth fifty-five-million euros (£55m) and it would run for five (5) years.
He moved from Elland Road to the Camp Nou in July, 2022, Raphinha has scored seven (7) goals in thirty-one (31) appearances for Barcelona.
The 26-year-old was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil and he grew up in Restinga.
His father was a jobbing musician and he has said previously that he had a difficult upbringing where he describes sharing a bedroom with his parents, younger brother and pets in addition to struggling to pay travel costs and at points having to beg for food.
The name of Raphinha’s father and his footballing friend, Bruno Fernandes
Raphinha’s father’s name is Raphael Belloli and he has Italian roots. The Barcelona winger is a longtime friend of Manchester United’s attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
This friendship has long been established even before they became teammates at Sporting Lisbon.
Raphinha has spoken in the past of how Bruno Fernandes has offered him significant help in his footballing career.
Before the Brazilian winger moved to the Premier League, his friend, Bruno Fernandes, said to Raphinha that his style of football would be needed in the league and it would fit the league.
Raphinha has played for Avai FC in Brazil, Vitoria Guimaraes and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Rennes in France before making that move to the limelight of the Premier League.
He scored seventeen goals in sixty-seven appearances for Leeds United and afterwards made the big move to the “mas que un club” team (more than a club), Barcelona.
