Overview
- Raphinha, in an ESPN interview published Thursday, rejected reports that he plans to leave Barcelona and accused a specific journalist of lying about his future.
- He said he has recovered from a hamstring injury but is not at full speed and expects only brief minutes in Sunday’s El Clásico at Camp Nou.
- Barcelona need just one point against Real Madrid to clinch La Liga, which makes his availability a talking point even if he starts on the bench.
- Goal reports say the club may seek about €100m from player sales this summer, with outside interest in Raphinha reported, yet coaching staff are described as viewing him as untouchable.
- He has scored 19 goals this season despite layoffs, and his public pushback fits a recent pattern of Barcelona players challenging media claims.