Barcelona star Raphinha has opened up about the turbulent period he endured under former head coach Xavi Hernandez, revealing he came close to leaving the club for the Saudi Pro League last summer — until his wife convinced him to stay.

In a candid interview with Isabela Pagliari released on Monday, the Brazilian winger admitted feeling underappreciated and undervalued during Xavi’s tenure, which led to growing frustration and serious thoughts of an early exit from Camp Nou.

“I felt like the coach (Xavi) and his staff did not trust me,” Raphinha said. “When there was nobody else to play, they would let me play 90 minutes. I would give all I had and made the difference in some games, but when they had the chance to put another player in my place, the coach would do it with no hesitation.”

The former Leeds United star, who joined Barcelona in July 2022, featured in just 17 La Liga starts last season. He recalled feeling confused and demoralised when he was substituted despite performing well.

“Sometimes, I also felt I was doing everything right but he’d take me off after 60 minutes,” he added. “I tried to fix it, I had multiple chats with Xavi, but I realise they made no difference. He had his own way of seeing things.”

Tensions came to a head in April 2024 when Raphinha had a fiery exchange with Xavi’s brother and assistant Oscar Hernandez after being substituted against Valencia. Xavi reprimanded him after the match, declaring the winger would be dropped for the next game, stating, “there are attitudes that can’t be allowed.”

At the end of the season, Raphinha seriously considered a move to the Saudi Pro League, speaking to compatriot Neymar — then at Al Hilal — about life and football in the Middle East.

“Last summer I was thinking to leave Barca and join the Saudi league,” Raphinha confessed. “I spoke with Neymar about the country, competitions — but my wife changed my mind.”

Since the arrival of Hansi Flick, Raphinha has enjoyed a stunning resurgence. The 27-year-old has racked up 31 goals and 25 assists across all competitions this season, putting him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. Barcelona currently lead La Liga by four points over Real Madrid, have lifted both the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana, and are on the verge of a Champions League final as they prepare to face Inter Milan in Tuesday’s semi-final second leg (3-3 aggregate).

Now thriving in Blaugrana colours, Raphinha’s story is a powerful reminder of the fine margins that define a footballer’s journey — and the pivotal role personal relationships can play behind the scenes.

Will Raphinha continue his red-hot form and lead Barca to Champions League glory?