Barcelona Star Raphinha Compares Himself to Club Icon and Brazil Legend Ronaldinho

• Barcelona winger Raphinha believes he has similar attitude to Barcelona legend Ronaldinho off the pitch
• Raphinha has gradually become a key for Barcelona under Xavi since joining the Catalan club from Leeds
• The Brazilian winger has made 32 appearances for La Blaugrana this season across all competitions

Ronaldinho may have retired from football but the Brazilian’s legacy is still inspiring many people across the world, including his native country.

Barcelona winger, Raphinha is the latest superstar who has revealed the legendary Selecao midfielder as someone he looked up to while growing up in South America.

According to Football Espana, Raphinha recently revealed he shares some similarities with Ronaldinho, who also played for Barcelona for five seasons.

“Off the pitch, I don’t know much about Rivaldo, but I know that Ronaldinho on and off was always the same, always smiling. Off the pitch, I am a bit more like Ronaldinho and on the pitch a bit more like Rivaldo; more focused, more serious.”

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Ronaldinho won La Liga twice and also won the UEFA Champions League with the Catalan giants in 2006 before leaving to join AC Milan in 2008.

Raphinha reveals his preferred position

Meanwhile, Raphinha has acknowledged he would prefer to play on Barcelona's right wing, but he is currently adjusting to life on the left flank for the Catalan giants, Goal reported.

This season, La Blaugrana have occasionally used Raphinha in his preferred position, but he frequently lines up on the opposing side of the field.

The 27-year-old winger has only recently fought back his way into Barcelona’s starting eleven after battling with loss of form which forced Xavi to leave him on the sidelines for a few games.

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Sports Brief also reported on Raphinha believing he still has much to offer Barcelona and is not looking to leave Camp Nou anytime soon.

The Brazilian winger joined La Blaugrana amid huge fanfare last summer from Leeds United, but has failed to meet the club's expectations.

Raphinha has only managed two goals in 16 appearances for the Catalans, which has prompted reports of the club wanting to offload him.