'I intend to extend my contract' - Raphinha fires Barcelona hint over future

The Brazil international has moved into a central attacking role following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, and has quickly made the position his own.

Raphinha has scored 11 goals in seven games, including a hat-trick in Barcelona's 7-2 win over Racing Santander on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old has now admitted he would like to remain at the Catalan club beyond his current contract, which runs until 2028.

"Yes, I intend to extend my contract," Raphinha told RAC1.

"When I extended it the first time, I signed until 2028 on the assumption that I would be then 30 or 31 years old, and I didn't know how things would turn out.

"Given the way I've started the season, I think I can keep going for a few more years and I would be very happy to extend my contract and, hopefully, finish my career here without having to go elsewhere."

Raphinha has also taken on greater responsibility at Barcelona after being named captain at the start of the campaign following the departures of Ronald Araujo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Frenkie de Jong has been sidelined by injury.

The former Leeds United winger joined Barcelona in 2022, but his fortunes changed significantly after Hansi Flick replaced Xavi Hernandez as head coach.

Raphinha has scored 86 goals in 184 appearances for Barcelona, with 66 of those goals coming since Flick took charge.

Flick has guided Barcelona to the La Liga title in both of his first two seasons at the club, and the Catalans have started the new campaign in equally impressive fashion.

They have won all seven of their matches, including a 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord.

Barcelona are three points clear of Real Madrid and Real Betis before Saturday's trip to fifth-placed Sevilla, with Raphinha again expected to lead the attack.

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