Raphinha urges Barcelona unity ahead of Al Ahly meeting at Camp Nou

Raphinha called on Barcelona’s players, coaching staff and supporters to stand together as he delivered an emotional message before the club’s Joan Gamper Trophy friendly against Egyptian club Al Ahly at Camp Nou.

The Brazil international, Barcelona’s new captain, addressed the crowd during a celebratory event at the Catalan club’s stadium before the traditional fixture, which also marks the presentation of the Barcelona squad for the new season.

Raphinha began by congratulating his Spain international team-mates who had become world champions.

“I would like to congratulate the world champions. They have done a wonderful job and achieved something every footballer in the world dreams of. Congratulations to all of you,” he said.

He then praised the Barcelona players who had lifted the World Cup with Spain, telling them their achievement should remain a source of lasting pride.

“I would like to tell them that they should feel proud of this achievement and understand that their names will remain engraved forever in the history of world football,” Raphinha added.

The 29-year-old then widened his message to include everyone connected with Barcelona, both on the pitch and in the stands.

“Last but not least, these words are for all of us, whether we are on the field or whether you are supporting us from outside. We will continue to improve as a team, and we will continue to fight as a team,” he said.

The match against Al Ahly is being staged at Camp Nou in Catalonia as part of Barcelona’s traditional pre-season presentation. The Joan Gamper Trophy fixture provides the occasion for the club to introduce its players to supporters before the new campaign begins.

Raphinha said the team would depend on the backing of the Barcelona fans throughout the season and promised that the players and coaching staff would work to give them reasons to celebrate.

“For that, we will need all your support throughout the season, as you have always done and, I am sure, will continue to do. And I am confident that we, the players and the coaching staff, will do everything we can to bring you plenty of joy this season,” he said.

His closing words were greeted by loud applause from the stands.

“Together we are very strong, and only together can we compete for every possible title. Thank you very much. Long live Barcelona,” Raphinha said.

The Brazilian’s speech placed unity at the centre of Barcelona’s message before their meeting with Al Ahly, with the new captain emphasising collective progress, determination and the importance of the relationship between the squad and its supporters.

As he put it in a message shared after the event: “We’ll keep growing. We’ll keep fighting. We’ll do everything we can to bring you plenty of joy this season.”