Raphinha discusses Neymar, Lewandowski, Dani Alves, and the World Cup.
Raphinha, who is currently in the Brazilian camp preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, spoke with Globo Esporte (h/t Diario AS) about the coveted tournament as well as his thoughts on former Barcelona superstar and international teammate Neymar.
Raphinha appears to have a great rapport with the PSG superstar, as he stated, "Off the field, we get along very well."
Neymar is a wonderful and welcoming person. Today, he treats the national team's young players with the utmost care.
"We have a great friendship off the field." When I visit Paris or he visits Barcelona, we meet for dinner. Being able to call Ney a close friend is an incredible honor for me. "He's one of the guys who inspires me," he continued.
The Barcelona winger, who only joined the club last summer, went on to discuss Neymar's influence on his international career, saying, "He told me to be myself, that I play the football that got me to the national team, to go up and not lower my head."
Since making his debut for Brazil in October 2021, Raphinha has won 11 caps for the national team. Many now expect him to play a crucial role in helping the Selecao secure the coveted World Cup for the first time since 2002.
Raphinha, on the other hand, does not take anything for granted. I'll play as if it's my last. Maybe I'll play another game, maybe I won't. It all depends. Maybe they'll change coaches, but I'm not sure if the new coach will like me," he added.
The Brazilian international also mentioned Barcelona teammate Robert Lewandowski. Even at the age of 34, he praised the Pole for his fitness and athleticism.
"I'm going to tell you the truth.
I expected less from him because he is older.
But he arrived, and every training session he conducts is fantastic.
"It's never enough for him; he always gives his all, he runs a lot, he assists with marking, he moves well in the area, he has a good header, he finishes with both legs, it's incredible."
"You see yourself at 25, working hard, thinking you're at your best, and you see a guy 34 trying to do his best every day, so it's incredible."
"His working style is very inspiring," he added.
Finally, Raphinha discussed Dani Alves, who had recently trained with Barcelona B, and the level of influence he has in the Brazilian team. He also complimented him on his leadership abilities, saying:
"He is a guy who has been looking for his best physical shape since he finished the Mexican championship and came here." He works very hard. He is a great player, a great worker, and a great captain in my opinion. Nothing can be said about his leadership; it is spectacular."
Tite's decision to include Dani Alves in the World Cup squad has been met with some criticism. Raphinha commented on the situation, saying, "It is difficult to say because if they include him as it happened, people criticize it, and they would do it if he was not included as well."
"I follow very little journalism because I am preoccupied with my work and my family."
You're up there one day and down there the next.
When you're down and don't have a good head, you tremble and can't get out.
"When they tell you good things, you end up deceiving yourself, and when they tell you bad things, you think you're the worst in the world, which you aren't," he says.
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