After four (and a half) years of wait, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar2022/qatar-2022-all-32-teams-home-and-away-jerseys-for-the-fifa-world-cup-20220626-0016.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar 2022</a> is finally about to get underway. We’re only 18 days away from a new edition of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/fifa-world-cup-30-amazing-records-and-stats-to-keep-in-mind-for-qatar-2022-q22-20220908-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FIFA World Cup</a>, which is the only thing world soccer can think about right now.
One of the biggest talking points heading into the tournament, besides the health of high-profile players, is who are the strongest <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/qatar-2022-neither-messis-argentina-nor-ronaldos-portugal-google-predicts-world-cup-final-20220926-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">candidates</a> to win the trophy. People may have different opinions on who has the most chances, but the conversation usually revolves around the same teams.
While Europe has its favorites, South America has serious contenders in Argentina and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar2022/qatar-2022-which-is-the-best-starting-xi-of-brazil-for-the-fifa-world-cup-20220717-0031.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brazil</a>. The latter side has one of the most talented squads on Earth, with multiple alternatives on every area of the field. But curiously, one of their biggest stars could have represented Italy at the international stage.
<h2>Brazilian star turned down chance to play for Italy in the past</h2>
According to Diario Sport, Barcelona winger <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/raphinha-barcelona-salary-per-hour-day-week-month-year-20220714-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raphinha</a> had the opportunity to represent the Italian national team in the past due to his father. He had Italian citizenship, but his lifelong dream reportedly was to follow in Ronaldinho‘s footsteps.
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20221102_BUS_204423_raphinha_1.jpg_22993414_9ea2e7e1.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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The Spanish outlet claims Raphinha received the invitation during his time at Leeds United, where he shone under Marcelo Bielsa, when he was still uncapped with Brazil. In recent years, many fellow Brazilians have taken the other path.
Jorginho, Rafael Toloi, and Emerson, for instance, have decided to play for the Azzurri. But in the end, it was worth the wait for Raphinha, who is now a key member of the Brazilian national team.
Will he help La Verde-amarela have a deep run in Qatar?Using this World Cup Predictor, you can see every potential outcome of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
 
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Qatar 2022: Brazil star could have played for Italy before the World Cup

Qatar 2022: Brazil star could have played for Italy before the World Cup - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelonas-jewel-falls-down-pecking-order-due-to-lewandowski-and-raphinha-arrivals-20220811-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona </a>went off this 2022 and signed almost every single player they wanted in the summer transfer market. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/raphinha-barcelona-salary-per-hour-day-week-month-year-20220714-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raphinha </a>was one of those and now the Brazilian has revealed why he decided to join Xavi’s side despite having other offer from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-to-hijack-deal-for-another-chelsea-long-term-target-after-raphinha-20220723-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chelsea</a>.
<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/xavis-new-signing-raphinha-claims-barcelona-is-better-than-real-madrid-20220720-0013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raphinha </a>was one of the best players in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/leeds-united-warn-barcelona-give-them-a-deadline-to-pay-for-raphinha-20220805-0020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leeds</a>‘ squad in the last Premier League season. His performances gave him the opportunity to become a key piece for Brazil and he was listed as one of the main targets for multiple teams this summer.
But despite the other clubs’ efforts to sign him, it was Barcelona who won this race. Now, the Brazilian has revealed which factors made him decide to join the Blaugranas and not returning to the Premier League with Chelsea.
<h2>Neymar, the real reason why Raphinha joined Barcelona</h2>
Friendship is always good for soccer players to get some advices on what to do next. For Raphinha, Neymar was his ‘voice of knowledge’ on which team he should have signed for this summer.
“I talked to Neymar about a move and he told me that if I get to Barcelona then I won’t regret and he was right,” said Raphinha to La Vanguardia. “I rejected Chelsea because my dream was to wear the Barcelona shirt.”
Xavi, Barcelona’s coach, has used Raphinha in five games, starting in 80 per cent of them. He has scored one goal and assisted for another, becoming one of the best attackers that the team has nowadays.
 
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Raphinha reveals why he decided to join Xavi's Barcelona instead of Chelsea

Raphinha reveals why he decided to join Xavi's Barcelona instead of Chelsea - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/robert-lewandowski-barcelona-salary-how-much-will-he-make-per-hour-day-week-month-and-year-20220716-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona</a>‘s activity in this transfer window has made a lot of noise in world soccer. Only a year after losing Lionel Messi while facing severe debt, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/can-jules-kounde-be-registered-by-barcelona-and-when-can-he-debut-20220731-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Liga</a> giants have made a splash ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Despite their well-known financial <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/what-would-happen-if-frenkie-de-jong-rejects-pay-cut-at-barcelona-20220731-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crisis</a>, the Cules are among the top spenders this summer. Having forked out €153 million, only <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/the-reason-why-jules-kounde-chose-barcelona-over-chelsea-20220729-0018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chelsea</a> have spent more than them (€186.59 million). While it’s not a surprise to see the Blues atop the list, it is quite shocking to see Barcelona in this position.
Curiously, Raphinha and othershave <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/robert-lewandowski-and-the-other-stars-who-snubbed-chelsea-this-summer-20220726-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">snubbed the Premier League side</a> in favor of a Camp Nou move. However, it seems thatLeeds United never wanted to sell him to the financially weakenedBarca in their first place, and they even sent out a warning to the Spanish club.
<h2>Leeds set deadline for Barcelona to pay for Raphinha</h2>
“I don’t know about behind the scenes and how they [Barcelona] suddenly found the money and now it works, it’s not clear,” Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani toldDavid Ornstein of The Athletic. 
In the interview, Radrizzani revealed that their idea was neverto sell Raphinha to Barcelona, as they didn’t trust they could <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/how-barcelona-secured-raphinha-and-dembele-deals-20220713-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">afford him</a>. Instead, they were ready to send him to Chelsea as the Brazilian also looked willing to join the Blues. But Barcaconvinced the player to stall, eventually giving Leeds no option but to accept their bid.
“We could not deal with Barcelona, as they were not in a position to negotiate. So we made a deal with Chelsea. Raphinha wanted to go, and was open to listening to offers from the Premier League, and Chelsea were in a favorable position,” he continued.
“Barcelona influenced and convinced the player to wait, wait, and wait until they could find the solutions. Unfortunately, it shows the power and the leverage the players and their agents have in the system, which is I think is exaggerated. It’s too much.
“For me, it was done, and when I have a deal my word is my word.I felt ashamed to go back to Todd Boehly and change our position. It was really, for me, disrespectful and not the right thing to do, but I did not have a choice.”
Thought the deal is already done, Leeds haven’t changed their stance. They are still skeptical that Barcelona can pay, which is why Radrizzani set a deadlineto receive the money for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/raphinha-barcelona-salary-per-hour-day-week-month-year-20220714-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raphinha</a>.“I’ll tell you on September 2,” he said.“If not, we will have a ‘global case’ on all media in the world against Barcelona.”
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Leeds United warn Barcelona, give them a deadline to pay for Raphinha

Leeds United warn Barcelona, give them a deadline to pay for Raphinha - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/how-barcelona-secured-raphinha-and-dembele-deals-20220713-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona</a> went full blast on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/mls-the-top-outgoing-transfers-to-date-20200903-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MLS</a> side <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/why-did-lafc-have-to-pay-inter-miami-for-gareth-bale-transfer-20220629-0016.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inter Miami</a> with a resounding 6-0 pounding. While the match was basically a Barcelona showcase, Inter Miami is one of the worst sides of MLS and the 6-0 result should be taken with a grain of salt.
Nonetheless Barcelona looked fluid and intense with their attack and new Brazilian signing Raphinha looked lively on the pitch. The former Leeds United winger scored a goal and added two assists in the lopsided match.
After the game <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/raphinha-barcelona-salary-per-hour-day-week-month-year-20220714-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raphinha</a> made a bold statement that raised a few eyebrows as Raphinha stated, “We’re better than <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/real-madrid-observing-usmnt-star-gio-reyna-20220714-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real Madrid</a> and I want to play them”. Barcelona kicks off the new LaLiga season on August 13th.
<h2>Barcelona vs Real Madrid set to go on Sunday</h2>
The two bitter rivals are set to meet in Sin City in Las Vegas on Sunday July 24th. Barcelona have made several splash signings with Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Andreas Christensen, and Franck Kessié.

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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220720_BUS_195916_memphis_depay_x9_of_fc_barcelona_heads_the_ball_against_damion_lowe_x31_of_inter_miami_cf_during_the_crop1658329293465.jpg_22069893_7f50ee9b.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption> Memphis Depay #9 of FC Barcelona heads the ball against Damion Lowe #31 of Inter Miami CF during the second half of a preseason friendly at DRV PNK Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) </figcaption></figure>
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The club which has been reported to be in financial turmoil have made 5 major signings in July and hope to be a top side in LaLiga this season. Despite what was labeled as a poor season last year, Barcelona will play the UEFA Champions League during the year.
Barcelona began their match against Inter Miami in a 4-3-3 formation and placed a more A team in the second half. 
 
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Xavi’s new signing Raphinha claims Barcelona is ‘better’ than Real Madrid

Xavi’s new signing Raphinha claims Barcelona is ‘better’ than Real Madrid - Bolavip US

A tumultuousseason is on the books for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/report-spotify-deal-lets-barcelona-eye-star-partner-for-robert-lewandowski-20220606-0022.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FC Barcelona</a>. The Cules have gone through a rollercoaster year, starting the campaign with a string of bad results, which cost <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/former-barcelona-boss-ronald-koeman-slams-barcelona-over-lionel-messis-exit-20220304-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ronald Koeman</a> his job and eventually resulted in an early UEFA Champions League elimination.
The arrival of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/report-barcelona-have-a-plan-b-in-case-they-fail-to-sign-xavis-favorite-striker-lewandowski-20220602-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Xavi Hernandez</a> got the club back on track, the team strengthened itself in the winter transfer window but it wasn’t enough to finish the season with a piece of silverware. Now it’s time to take Barcelonaback where they belong.
This summer will be crucial for the Cules, who <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/report-barcelona-implement-two-rather-curious-methods-to-increase-thier-revenues-20220604-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">need to make a significant upgrade</a> to their squad in order to be contenders again, both in La Liga and in Europe. The club is still battling with a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-how-are-clubs-finances-and-when-can-they-come-out-of-financial-crisis-20220522-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">financial crisis</a>, but fortunately, some of their targets don’t seem to care about it.
<h2>Report: Barcelona target turns downLiverpool interest</h2>
While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-the-solution-to-finally-get-bayern-to-agree-to-sell-robert-lewandowski-20220604-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Robert Lewandowski</a> continues to be heavily linked with a Camp Nou move, there’s another player whoreportedly wants to join the Cules despite drawing interest from other European heavyweights.
According to Sport, Leeds United winger Raphinha has rejected a massive offer from Liverpool as he is only interested in playing for Barcelona next season. The Brazil international comes from a great season, in which he helped <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/jesse-marsch-takes-over-leeds-how-many-us-coaches-have-worked-in-the-premier-league-20220228-0031.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jesse Marsch</a>‘s men avoid relegation.
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220607_BUS_192612_raphinha_leeds_2021-22.jpg_22993414_9ecfe9d9.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Clive Brunskill/Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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The report claims that Raphinha and Barcelonahave already agreed on personal terms in March, but conversations between clubs have stalled. Leeds have high demands for their star player, while Barca don’t have the funds to afford a big move.
Mateu Alemany is expected to travel to England this week, aiming to reestablish negotiations with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/report-barcelonas-frenkie-de-jong-may-be-used-as-swap-bait-as-catalan-club-has-interest-in-premier-league-star-20220606-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League</a> club. Barca’s biggest weakness right now is their finantial situation, but even with all their problems, the likes of Lewandowski and Raphinha are interested in getting the Spanish giants back on their feet.
 
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Barcelona: Xavi Hernandez target turns down Liverpool offer – report

Barcelona: Xavi Hernandez target turns down Liverpool offer - report - Bolavip US

Barcelona: Xavi Hernandez target turns down Liverpool offer - report

Is <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/the-last-time-real-madrid-lost-to-barcelona-at-santiago-bernabeu-20220318-0031.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona</a> back? That is the question following their massive <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/santiago-bernabeu-in-blue-and-red-barcelona-beats-real-madrid-funniest-memes-and-reactions-20220320-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4-0 victory over Real Madrid</a> over the weekend. Still at a distance from the top of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/the-top-earning-coaches-in-serie-a-laliga-ligue-1-and-premier-league-20211229-0032.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LaLiga</a> the Catalan giants are firmly in third place with second as a reasonable goal.
Xavi, despite his lack of experience coaching a big club, has turned things around and from all drama that was present when the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-transfer-rumors-and-updates-20220316-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona</a> legend began his tenure at the club, there is now light at the end of the tunnel. Still, Barcelona has financial issues which may impede them from making many big-time transfers, the club directors are working hard to free the books to get one player in particular.
That player is Leeds United star Raphinha who flourished under <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/jesse-marsch-takes-over-leeds-how-many-us-coaches-have-worked-in-the-premier-league-20220228-0031.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marcelo Bielsa</a> and that was praised by his national team coach Tite. With Leeds trying to fight off relegation and Bielsa no longer at the club given Raphinha’s unquestionable talent, all signs point to the Brazilian moving on soon.
<h2>Raphinha to Barcelona in the summer?</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220322_BUS_186942_raphinha_x1x_crop1647959496742.jpg_22069893_69bed060.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption> Raphinha of Leeds (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images) </figcaption></figure>
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According to Sport, Raphinha would come in as a replacement for Ousmane Dembélé in the summer. Raphinha is under contract at Leeds until 2024 and while his transfer value may be high the Brazilian is not short on suitors.
Barcelona along with West Ham United have been rumored to be chasing the 7-time capped Brazilian. Liverpool has also been following Raphinha and is the club who certainly has the funds to purchase the player. 
 
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Transfer Rumors: Raphinha is Barcelona’s number one priority

Transfer Rumors: Raphinha is Barcelona’s number one priority - Bolavip US

Latest news from raphinha. Find out about all the news related to raphinha on bolavip.com/en

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