'I hope to be a Barça player until the end of my career' - Raphinha confirms plan to sign new Barcelona contract and retire at the club

Barcelona fans have been handed a major boost, with star forward Raphinha confirming that he intends to sign a new contract at the club and see out the remainder of his career in Blaugrana colours.

A historic start to the season

The 29-year-old Brazilian has been centre stage in the headlines in Catalunya's capital across the early weeks of the new season, and for good reason. Across seven appearances between La Liga and the Champions League to date, the former Leeds United man has remarkably racked up 14 direct goal contributions — a start to the campaign described as nothing short of historic.

New contract already in the works

Such form has not gone unnoticed behind the scenes. Word was recently forthcoming that those in positions of power at Camp Nou have already begun working on a new contract for Raphinha, and the winger's latest comments suggest he has every intention of putting pen to paper on the deal.

Speaking during an interview with RAC1, as cited by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Raphinha made his intentions crystal clear:

"I plan to sign a new contract at Barcelona! My hope is to stay here until retirement. I hope to be a Barça player until the end of my career."

A long-term commitment

The declaration will no doubt delight supporters, who have watched the Brazilian transform into one of the club's most influential players since his arrival from Leeds United. With talks over an extension already underway, both club and player now appear aligned on a future at Barcelona stretching all the way to Raphinha's retirement.