Raphinha: I'm glad that my European state passport was delayed.

2025-05-05 19:22 © scanpix

This season, the brightest star of the "Barcelona" team, forward Raphinha, was just a hair away from becoming a member of the European country's national team.

Four years ago, the Italians tried to offer him their country's passport and a place on the national team.

"I was a hair's breadth away from joining the Italy national team. I was supposed to go to the 'Euro 2020' championship in 2021, which the Italians later won.

I was already prepared to go, but fortunately, I didn't receive the new passport in time.

At that time, my phone was ringing non-stop - both members of the Italian national team and midfielder Jorginho were calling," Raphinha recalled.

"The Italian coaches had prepared an incredible plan for me, and that definitely caught my attention, of course, I still had a tiny hope of one day wearing the Brazil jersey. I'm glad that the Italian passport wasn't ready in time," said the Brazilian, who has been playing for the national team of his true homeland for several years now.