Rafinha: 'My head is fully at FC Barcelona'

This Thursday, Rafinha Alcántara attended the presentation of the 2nd edition of the Barcelona Fun Run in aid of Cancer Research, where he made it clear that "I am a Barça player and I am fully committed to the team. My head is at FC Barcelona". 

“My father was wrong to say what he did” he added in reference to Mazinho’s comments that his son was looking to leave the club. “It was precisely him who taught me about the values and the effort that it took for me to get here.”

“What upsets me the most is that my commitment has been placed in doubt. I am playing for the best team in the world, it’s very competitive and I have to work very hard to get chances.”

Watch out, Atlético

Moving on to Saturday’s game with Atlético Madrid, the Brazilian commented that "games like this speak for themselves. We are very motivated and working hard for this one. We’ll give it all we have got. Atlético are a strong side, and this league season is a very tight one. This is direct clash between two title candidates and we’ll do all we can to get the three points.”

“As a squad member, these games are especially exciting. I’m working as hard as I can to get more playing time.”

Finally, on his travels to England for Brazil’s two friendlies, he commented that “I was very happy to get picked for the national team. It’s always wonderful to represent your country, but now I need to turn the page and concentrate on my club.”