Raphinha outlines Xavi's role in convincing him to stay at Barcelona and reveals what Hansi Flick told him before joining La Liga giants amid constant rumours around Brazil star's future

Raphinha has been in fine form this season, scoring 23 goals in all competitions and also registering 15 assists. Last season, he somewhat struggled for minutes under Xavi's management, making 17 La Liga starts, and he was subsequently linked with an exit from Camp Nou.

Now, though, the Brazil international has explained that Xavi was actually decisive in his decision to stay, while his replacement, Flick, also took the time to tell Raphinha how important he is to his project.

Raphinha told France Football: "Although there were many rumours about my departure last season, he (Xavi) kept telling me that he was counting on me. If he hadn’t been the coach of Barca, I wouldn’t wear this shirt that I’ve always dreamed of wearing. Xavi was convinced that with hard work I would become an important player."

On Flick, he added: "When his arrival was made official, he called me and told me that he was one of the players he counted on, without knowing me or having seen me train. This was very important in my decision to stay. I knew it would be important for the team."

Barcelona play Sevilla on Sunday evening. They are currently third in La Liga, four points behind leaders Real Madrid.