Barcelona forward Raphael Dias Belloli, popularly known as Raphinha, has disclosed why he stayed at the Catalan club two seasons ago.

The Brazilian international was on the cusp of leaving Barcelona after two underwhelming campaigns under Xavi Hernandez.

However, the 29-year-old has revealed that current manager Hansi Flick influenced his decision to remain at the club after taking over the reins from the former Spanish midfielder.

Speaking after Barcelona's triumph over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España on Sunday night, the former Leeds United star stated that the German tactician gave him confidence.

“If Hansi Flick didn’t come, I would have left Barça. He changed everything,” Raphinha said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“He told me I was going to be important. This is what a player needs. Confidence.”

Raphinha starred as the Blaugrana edged Los Blancos 3-2 in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.

The Brazilian international was voted Man of the Match after netting a brace in the mammoth clash in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski added the other goal, while Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia scored the consolation goals for Xabi Alonso's side.

WDN