Striker Raphinha spoke publicly for the first time after his muscle injury was confirmed. The Brazilian national team player used his social networks to comment on what happened and promised to make every effort to return to the pitch as soon as possible.
Below, check out the full statement from the Barcelona forward:
“I chose this image in the first place because it evokes the beginning of everything. The boy who dreamed of wearing the Brazilian National Team shirt remains here. With the same desires, the same gratitude and the same dedication to represent our country.
I deeply love football, what I do, and I love representing the Brazilian team. Anyone who knows me knows the level of demand I impose on myself and the daily effort to improve my game. That will never change. I will do my best to rehabilitate myself and return as soon as possible.
I want to be with my teammates, fight for our goals and continue dedicating all my effort to honor this shirt and bring joy to Brazilian fans. I continue with determination.”
The muscle injury to Raphinha’s right thigh was confirmed last Saturday, after medical examinations were carried out. Through an official statement, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) only reported the diagnosis of the problem, without presenting an estimate for the athlete’s return. However, information obtained indicates that the expectation is to have the Barcelona player available in a possible round of 16 match of the competition, scheduled for approximately two weeks from now, if the team advances.
The investigation reveals that the imaging examination did not detect a significant severity of the injury, reinforcing the intention to reinstate the attacker from a possible clash in the round of 16, which would take place in around ten days, if the Brazilian team manages to qualify.