Incredible Transformation: Barcelona Leader on His Future – "I Hope to Stay Here"

"Yes, I intend to extend my contract. When I first extended it, I signed until 2028, thinking I'd be 30 or 31 then, and I wasn't sure how things would unfold," Raphinha told radio station RAC1.

"Given how I've started the season, I believe I can continue for several more years. I would be delighted to extend my contract and hope to finish my career here without having to move elsewhere," he added.

Raphinha has been playing up front this season after Barcelona sold Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. He took over the captain's armband at the start of the campaign following the departures of Ronald Araújo and Marc-André ter Stegen, and Frenkie de Jong's knee injury.

The former Leeds United player joined Barcelona in 2022. A turning point in his time at the club came two years later with the arrival of coach Hansi Flick. The Brazilian has scored a total of 86 goals in 184 matches for the Catalan side, with 66 of those coming under the German coach. Flick has led Barcelona to the Spanish title in both of his seasons so far.

Raphinha netted a hat-trick in Wednesday's 7-2 victory over Racing Santander. Barcelona remains perfect this season, having won all seven matches, including a 5-1 triumph over Feyenoord Rotterdam in their opening Champions League fixture.

The Catalans hold a three-point lead at the top of La Liga over Real Madrid and Betis Sevilla heading into Saturday's match away at fifth-placed Sevilla.