Raphinha has spoken out with his name in the headlines all week.
The Brazil forward was injured in the 3-0 win over Haiti and has been ruled out for the time being.
With the issue a relapse of a hamstring injury that kept him out for 23 games with Barcelona, there were fears his World Cup was over.
Raphinha’s alleged financial issues
However, those concerns have been eased, but that hasn’t kept Raphinha out of the headlines.
A former Brazil international claimed that Raphinha has deep financial issues and is keen to accept an offer from Al Hilal in an effort to resolve them.
Both the injury and the financial problems have been played down by the player’s family, and now he himself has broken his silence on social media.
Raphinha speaks out
Posting a number of pictures throughout his Brazil career, he told his Instagram followers: “I chose this photo first because it reminds me of where it all began.
“The boy who dreamed of wearing the Brazilian National Team jersey is still here. With the same dreams, the same gratitude, and the same desire to represent our country.
“I love football, I love what I do, and I love wearing the Brazilian National Team jersey.
“Those who know me understand how much I push myself and how hard I work every day to improve. And that will never change.
“I will do everything in my power to recover and return as quickly as possible.
“I want to be alongside my teammates, fight for our goals, and keep giving my all to honour this jersey and bring joy to Brazilian fans.
“I remain strong.”
The post was flooded with comments from his teammates posting love hearts, such as Endrick, Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius.
A day earlier, Barcelona outlet Mundo Deportivo released a story sourced from members of Raphinha’s family.
Raphinha’s family make statement
They predict that his injury will keep him out until the World Cup quarter-finals, later than the last 16 date in the Brazilian press.
El Mundo wrote: “Regarding his physical condition, doctors reported that the footballer felt a hamstring injury.
“This is the same area where he had previously experienced discomfort, prompting a detailed medical evaluation to determine the exact extent of the problem.
“His entourage maintains that the injury is “minor,” ruling out any serious consequences.
“The player’s current expectation is that he should be back in about two weeks, in time for the quarter-final matches should Brazil qualify.”
The same sources also commented on the story from former international Vampeta that Raphinha has deep financial issues.
The outlet writes: “Besides sporting matters, his name has also been linked to a possible departure from Barca to Saudi Arabia, citing certain financial problems.
“His entourage insists there are no issues. ‘Regarding his departure, there’s nothing to worry about. He’s focused on the national team and very happy at Barcelona,’ they told this newspaper.
“His attention is centred on his physical recovery and continuing to contribute his performance when he becomes available again.
“The statements gathered categorically deny the existence of a crisis in the player’s personal life. Raphinha’s family remains united. ‘His wife, his son, his parents, and his brother are all together in the United States,’ following the World Cup.
“Those close to the player say they don’t understand the source of the reports about family conflicts. They believe these rumours are unfounded and do not reflect reality.”
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