Raphinha is aiming high ahead of the World Cup in Qatar as he will be representing Brazil in the tournament.
Barcelona winger Raphinha has stated that he will do his best with the Brazilian national team at the World cup.
Raphinha, who made his Brazil debut in October 2021, will be featuring in his first World Cup in Qatar.
“I’m ready for the World Cup and I’m working hard to get there as good as I possibly can, both physically and mentally,” Raphinha said in an interview published by Barca on Monday.
“The atmosphere is that of a winning national team, ambitious and wanting to win the title. There’s a good vibe amongst the whole team.
“I don’t see it as pressure, a team like Brazil is always a contender for the World Cup or any other title that they play for. The demand of the fans is normal because we are a high-quality team, with big names.”
Raphinha is following in the footsteps of Brazilian greats such as Romario, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar at the Nou Camp following his from Leeds United to Barcelona this summer.
“It is normal that the fans are anxious for Brazil to win the sixth World Cup, and so are we,” the 25-year-old said as he remembered their 2-0 win over Germany in the final in Japan 20 years ago thanks to two goals from Ronaldo.
“I don’t remember too much about the 2002 World Cup because I was very young. (But) it was an incredible and indescribable feeling. All the Brazilian people hugged and were united. Now it’s a good moment for it to bring us all together again.”
Raphinha, who has 11 caps and has five international goals including three in World Cup qualifiers, is hopeful of repeating Brazil’s 2002 triumph — their record fifth world title.
“I promise that if we win the World Cup I will do the same as I did when we managed to keep Leeds in the Premier League last season, when I walked across the pitch on my knees,” he said.
