Gabriel Magalhaes says Raphinha’s Brazil remarks were never about avoiding matches

Gabriel Magalhaes has defended Raphinha after the Barcelona forward’s comments about managing his playing time for Brazil were interpreted as a request to rest.

Speaking at Brazil’s training camp in Singapore, Arsenal defender Gabriel said Raphinha had been misunderstood and insisted the 29-year-old was fully committed to the national team.

Raphinha made the comments when he extended his Barcelona contract until 2030. He said: “The national team manager knows how to manage my playing time. We have spoken, and he knows I am not yet at 100% physically. I ask Barcelona fans not to worry about this.”

His remarks came amid concerns at Barcelona over the injuries he has suffered after matches under Carlo Ancelotti, and the need to examine how his workload can be managed to reduce the risk of further problems.

Some interpreted Raphinha’s comments as meaning he wanted to protect himself from playing for Brazil. Gabriel, who has also experienced injuries while representing his country, rejected that suggestion.

“We are high-level players and all we want is to play,” Gabriel said, according to Mundo Deportivo. “I think many people misunderstood what Raphinha said. We are human beings and sometimes we need rest, including mentally. In Europe, we play every two or three days and there are a lot of matches.”

He added: “When we join the national team, we want to make the most of our time here and learn, but many people misunderstand certain comments. That is what happened with Raphinha.

“Within the team, we did not understand him to be saying that he had come here to rest or anything like that. We know how dedicated he is to Brazil. His commitment is perfect and he is an exemplary player for us.”

Gabriel said discussions about managing playing time were a normal consequence of the demands placed on players in Europe, rather than an attempt to avoid responsibility.

He also described Raphinha as an example to the rest of the squad because of his professionalism, commitment and desire to improve. Brazil, he said, valued the forward both as a player and as an influential member of the group, even when he was not fully fit.

Brazil are in Singapore for two friendlies, facing the host nation on Saturday before playing Japan on 17 November.

Gabriel said the matches would form part of the team’s preparations for the Copa America and give Ancelotti an opportunity to test ideas and assess new players.

“We know how difficult it is to win trophies, but we have to prepare well, win every match and be ready for the Copa America,” the Arsenal defender said.

The fixtures are listed for 14 November 2026 and 17 November, with Brazil aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for the continental title.