Xavi insists that former Leeds United winger Raphinha will be 'very important' for Barcelona's future amid speculation surrounding an early exit from the Camp Nou.
Raphinha has struggled to establish himself at the La Liga giants since arriving from Elland Road back in the summer for a reported fee of £55 million.
The Brazilian international made a strong early impression during pre-season by scoring the only goal against El Clasico rivals Real Madrid in Las Vegas. However, Raphinha has been unable to build on his pre-season form, which has led to reports uncertainty surrounding his future.
He has started just two of Barca's last seven games in La Liga, and has notched four goals and seven assists across all competitions for the Spanish heavyweights this term. And after lifting the Supercopa de Espana following a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid earlier this month, Raphinha announced his desire to win more trophies with the club.
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Xavi has now added to the notion that Raphinha is at Barca for the long-run by quashing any rumours that the 26-year-old is set to leave the Camp Nou in the imminent future.
"Raphinha will be important for us, I have no doubts on that," Xavi said (via Fabrizio Romano). "Rafa will be very important as I have great confidence in him for Barcelona's future."
Raphinha joined Leeds from Stade Rennes in 2019, and scored 17 goals in 65 appearances for the Whites in the Premier League.
He bagged six goals in his debut season at Elland Road, before finishing as the club's top goal scorer last term with 11 goals in 36 games.
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