Raphinha has claimed that Catalan giants Barcelona are better than Real Madrid after a memorable debut in a pre-season friendly with Inter Miami.
Speaking after his Barcelona debut in a pre-season friendly with Inter Miami, as relayed by Spanish publication MARCA, Raphinha has made an explosive claim about Barcelona and Real Madrid’s qualities. The Brazilian attacker has suggested that the Catalan giants are better than Los Blancos.
Raphinha is raring to make his mark after joining Barcelona from Leeds United in the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old was the Catalan club’s first big-money signing after the arrivals of Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen in Bosman moves.
The benefit of the activation of the economic levers has helped Barcelona delve into the transfer market for some of the best players in the world. And Raphinha was their priority target, with Barcelona pursuing him eagerly, even though Leeds United had accepted an offer from Chelsea.
But the Catalan giants were determined to sign Raphinha, especially with the player having his heart set on moving to Camp Nou. The player finally got his wish earlier this week, with Barcelona making him their third summer signing.
Raphinha is feeling confident ahead of El Clasico ? pic.twitter.com/ZblYYhvbMM
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 20, 2022
The first indication of how good Raphinha can be for Barcelona in the upcoming season has come this week, with the Brazilian attacker scoring once and providing two assists in the 6-0 thrashing of Inter Miami. And ahead of the upcoming game against Real Madrid, the former Leeds United talisman has claimed that his new employers are better than Los Blancos.
“[I’m} very happy to have scored my first goal. It was a good game. I tried to have a good game. I’m very happy and hope to continue it. One always tries to score against anyone, but if it’s in a Derby, even more. The most important thing is the win. But for me we’re better than Real Madrid. Barcelona has several young talented players. They’re doing a great job with them. They’re always fighting for championships.”
Barcelona will face Real Madrid this coming weekend in a rare pre-season El Clasico, as the two clubs continue their preparations for the 2022/23 campaign. Raphinha will have a point to prove in that game, and he will want to vindicate his words with a match-defining performance against Real Madrid.
