Joelinton and Guimaraes react to Raphinha’s message after Barcelona heartbreak
Raphinha sent a lengthy message to Barcelona’s fans after their heartbreaking Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter on Tuesday.
Inter and Barcelona have played out one of the great two-legged continental ties across the last week, and after a 3-3 draw in Catalonia last Wednesday, the two European giants took things up another notch.
After Inter scored twice to take a 5-3 aggregate lead before half-time, former Man City star Eric Garcia and current Man City target Dani Olmo levelled things up in the second half before Raphinha struck late.
The Newcastle transfer target‘s 87th-minute strike to put Barcelona 6-5 up on aggregate was quickly cancelled out by Francesco Acerbi though, and Davide Frattesi’s goal in extra time won the tie for Inter.
Newcastle stars respond to Raphinha’s ‘together’ message
Newcastle are keen on Raphinha to answer their conundrum on the right wing, as former England keeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that St. James’ Park is the Brazilian’s most likely transfer destination.
Eddie Howe is expected to sell off fringe players in order to retain key men such as Bruno Guimaraes and fund big-money moves stars like Raphinha this summer, but the latter will be hard to prize away from Barcelona.
After his late goal at San Siro was overturned by Inter’s late rally to reach the Champions League final and end Barca’s treble hopes, Raphinha posted on Instagram (6 May), with a lengthy message for fans.
In a post liked by Brazil team-mates Guimaraes and Joelinton, Raphinha said: “We will come back stronger. Thanks to everyone’s support culers – we are still together – the season ain’t over yet.
“Every day that passes I’m more proud to wear these colors, proud of this team.”
Newcastle given Raphinha hope after Barcelona developments
Hansi Flick has transformed Raphinha into Barcelona’s talisman and occasional captain this season, as well as one of the world’s best players, but their exit from the Champions League could prove costly.
Raphinha turned down big-money offers from the Saudi Pro League to stay put last summer, and Stefan Borson told Football Insider in October that Barcelona still owe Leeds £35million from his 2022 transfer.
However, with Newcastle well-placed to keep their stars such as Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali, it may finally be time for the Magpies to flex their financial muscle and make Barca an offer they can’t afford to refuse.