Barcelona’s Raphinha on facing Ronald Araujo at Copa America – ‘I don’t like talking to opponents’ | OneFootball

After seeing the likes of Pedri and Lamine Yamal go up against Ilkay Gundogan in the UEFA Euro 2024, Barcelona fans will soon get to see two more members of their team clash on the international stage.

Indeed, Raphinha will face off against Ronald Araujo this weekend as Brazil take on Uruguay in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa America in the USA.

As the two Barcelona players get set to collide on the international stages, Raphinha was asked if he had spoken with Araujo leading up to the match at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

In response, Raphinha said: “I don’t like talking to opponents. The only thing we talk about is our family, we have a very good relationship.

“We talk, but about things outside football. We talk about the family. We don’t talk about football, nothing. When I’m there (in Spain) I talk with Vini, with Rodrygo, but about life.”

Araujo and Raphinha will face off in Copa America. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Raphinha started Brazil’s first Copa America game against Costa Rica, but was dropped against Paraguay. He did return to the team against Colombia and scored a sensational free-kick goal.

When asked about his objectives for the competition, the winger replied: “I have a personal goal in every competition, which is to score once and create at least one goal. My main goal is to win the competition.

“If we win the tournament and I don’t score a goal or make an assist, I’ll be very happy no matter what I achieve on a personal level.”

The Barcelona winger went on to reveal that his free-kick technique is inspired by legends like Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi, while also stating that he had hired a data analysis company to help him improve his performance on the field.

With Vinicius Jr. suspended for Brazil against Uruguay, Raphinha will have added responsibility on his shoulders while there may even be a change in role for the winger.

Addressing that, the Brazil international said: “I think my position won’t change much. Endrick, Rodrygo and I have the ability to adapt quickly to any position in the field with the national team.”

Source: Globoesporte