Barcelona forward Raphinha has issued an apology to manager Xavi Hernandez and the club after his angry reaction to being subbed off against Manchester United.
The 26-year-old was one of the brightest performers for the Blaugrana at Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday night, scoring and assisting a goal apiece as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
It was Raphinha who scored the equaliser when Manchester United were leading 2-1, but soon after the Brazilian international was taken off by manager Xavi, with Ferran Torres replacing him.
Not happy with his substitution, Raphinha was seen reacting angrily as he walked off the pitch and while sitting on the bench, as he fumed about not being on the pitch any longer.
Speaking after the game, Xavi said he made the substitution thinking of what was the best for the team, saying: “Raphinha has apologised for his reaction after the substitution. I understand him. I think it’s fine that he’s frustrated, but I take the best decisions for the team.”
Raphinha has since come out and issued an apology, saying (h/t Fabrizio Romano): “I’ve already apologized and I will do it again on training. I want to say sorry for my reaction after the change – it won’t happen again.”
“I don’t have any problem with Xavi or the club, I just wanted to be on the pitch.”
The reaction from Raphinha was certainly understandable as he had looked like the only player who could make a difference for Barcelona for a long time on Thursday. In fact, he had assisted the opening goal and then scored the equaliser for his team.
The game between Barça and Manchester United finished in a 2-2 draw, setting up an enticing second leg at Old Trafford next week.
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