Barcelona completes contract extension with its captain Raphinha..

Barcelona announced on their official website on Thursday that the club has reached a contract extension with its captain, Brazil international forward Raphinha.

According to Barça's official statement, Raphinha has signed a new four-year deal that runs until the summer of 2030. In line with La Liga regulations, his release clause has been set at €800 million. 

After completing his contract extension procedures, Raphinha, who was interviewed by the Barcelona official website again, said: "I feel incredibly proud of everything I’ve achieved at this club, both individually and as part of the team. I hope to stay here for many more years. As long as my physical condition allows, I will continue to contribute and give everything I have for this club."

"I’m in great shape right now. While I might not be at 100% of my absolute best, I take very good care of myself, so the fans don’t need to worry. I am doing everything in my power to perform at my highest level."

"So far, this season has been very positive. Although there’s still a trophy missing from my collection, I hope to win as many titles as possible in this jersey between now and 2030."

"I’ve adjusted my position on the pitch and strive to contribute everything I can to the team. Whatever the side requires, I do my best to adapt. I’m enjoying the process, and having such an exceptional group of players around me makes everything much easier."

"I want to give the club my absolute best and earn a special place in the hearts of the fans. When I first arrived two years ago, I never imagined I would reach the level I’m at today. I know my own capabilities and what I can bring to this club. I have always believed in my hard work and remained steadfast in my pursuit of excellence."

About Raphinha

Raphinha, 29, was born on December 14, 1996, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. He is 1.76 meters tall and primarily plays as a center forward, but can also play as a right winger, left winger, or attacking midfielder. He holds both Brazilian and Italian citizenship. His father and uncle were close friends of the legendary Brazilian star Ronaldinho, and former Portugal international and current Barcelona sporting director Deco, previously served as his agent.

In his youth, Raphinha spent time in the youth academy of Avaí, but before he could be promoted to the first team, he was signed by Vitória de Guimarães.

Shortly after joining Vitória de Guimarães, Raphinha quickly established himself in the club's first-team. It was during this time that he met and became close friends with Portugual international player Bruno Fernandes, who now plays for Manchester United.

In July 2018, Raphinha moved to Sporting Clube de Portugal for €6.5 million. Forming a potent partnership with Fernandes, the duo helped the club secure both the Taça da Liga and the Taça de Portugal once each.

The following summer, Raphinha moved to Rennes for a club-record transfer fee of €21 million at the time.

In his lone season with Rennes, he played a pivotal role in the team’s surge to a third-place finish in Ligue 1, earning them a spot in the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League.

In the summer of 2020, Raphinha joined Leeds United for a fee of €20 million.

During his stint there, his stellar performances and consistent goal-scoring output not only helped the Whites avoid relegation but also established him as one of the best wingers in the Premier League.

In July 2022, Raphinha completed a move to Barcelona for €58 million.

Since joining the Blaugrana, Raphinha has so far made 190 appearances for Barça across all competitions, scoring 94 goals and providing 62 assists, where his honours with the team include three La Liga titles, three Supercopa de España, and one Copa del Rey, alongside a run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Image source: Internet / FC Barcelona official website