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Raphinha was close to the European national team, the striker: I accepted the invitation, but the passport...

2025-05-05 14:56:00, Sport CNA

Raphinha was close to the European national team, the striker: I accepted the

Barcelona striker Raphinha has revealed that he was very close to representing the Italian national team in 2020, but in the end decided to choose Brazil, with whom he has currently become a key and important point for the formation. The player had the opportunity to benefit from Italian citizenship through his father, but bureaucratic procedures prevented the process from being finalized in time.

The Italian Football Federation had initiated contacts with the footballer, given his potential and form at the time.

Raphinha has revealed that Italy's technical staff, including footballer Jorginho, were in constant communication with him and had presented a clear plan for his inclusion in the national team.

"I was close to accepting the invitation from Italy. The aim was to go to the 2020 European Championship, which they won. I had basically accepted and was ready to go. Fortunately, the passport didn't come out in time, although I had numerous calls from the Italian national team. Jorginho was contacting me all the time. The Italians had a great plan for me, which convinced me. However, deep down I still hoped to wear the Brazil shirt. Fortunately, the Italian passport didn't come out in time and I went to Brazil ," said Raphinha.