Rafinha opens up on affection towards Barcelona before UCL clash

Rafinha insists he feels like a Catalan at heart after living there for 13 years and the midfielder says he learned everything about football at La Masia.

Speaking about a reunion with his former club Barcelona on Tuesday, Rafinha Alcantara told Le Parisien: “Barca gave me everything. I learned almost everything at the Barça training centre.

“I have a lot of affection for that time period. I grew up in Barcelona, ​​I lived there for 13 years, I also feel Catalan. Barça will always be special.”

Rafinha spent 5 years at Barca’s La Masia academy before being promoted in 2011. He made 90 appearances for the Blaugrana and spent quite a few seasons on loan at different clubs before being sold to PSG last year. 

He's now ready to return to the Camp Nou and face his former side in a crucial Champions League clash on Tuesday.