Brazilian forward Raphinha became emotional this Saturday when talking about how his son has helped him overcome recent “personal and professional problems” that made him think about “giving up” and “quitting football.”
“Well, recently I thought about leaving everything due to personal and professional problems. I thought about giving up, quitting footballbecause there was no need to go through some mental problems or difficulties and attacks by the media or fans“, revealed the FC Barcelona winger in a press conference.
Raphinha appeared before journalists in Orlando, in the United States, where he is concentrated with the Brazilian team for the Copa Américawhich begins next day the 20th. The former Leeds United player considered those difficulties overcome thanks to the fact that today he has “a greater force”, which is his son.
“Imagining that one day my son can see me as an inspiration in football, not being the best in the world, but as a reference, that is worth a lot“, he explained. He also stressed that being able to see his son grow and that he is aware of seeing him play and “defending big clubs”, definitely pushed him to “not leave football.”
Another reason that led him to continue was the possibility of “winning titles” with the Brazil shirtwhich will seek its tenth Copa América starting on the 24th, when it will debut against Costa Rica, in Group D, which includes Colombia and Paraguay.
The culé attacker also confessed that, together with his wife, he bought “some boats” and “sent financial help” to help the people who were rescuing the victims of the floods that in May devastated the land where he was born: Rio Grande do Sul. “It is impossible not to be moved by what is happening there. It is a tragedy that ended up devastating almost an entire state “, lament.
The floods completely or partially inundated entire cities in southern Brazil, leaving so far a balance of 177 deaths, 39 missing and 2.4 million victims.
Raphinha maintained that he did not say anything until now because he does not like to publish these types of matters on social networks. “I prefer to help without showing“He stated. He also pointed out that within the Brazilian team they are talking”to help in some way“to the cause.”I’m doing everything I can“he assured.
