When Did Rafinha Leave Barcelona?
Rafinha Alcántara, the Brazilian midfielder, left Barcelona in the summer of 2020. His departure marked the end of a long association with the Catalan club, where he had spent most of his professional career.
Early Career and Rise through the Ranks
Born on February 12, 1993, Rafinha joined the famed La Masia academy at a young age. He quickly made a name for himself with his technical skills and versatility on the pitch. After progressing through the youth ranks, he made his first-team debut for Barcelona B in 2011.
Over the next few years, Rafinha continued to impress for both Barcelona B and the senior team. He showcased his ability to play in multiple positions and contributed with goals and assists. This led to him becoming an integral part of Barcelona’s squad under then-manager Luis Enrique.
The Injury Setbacks
Unfortunately for Rafinha, injuries often disrupted his progress at crucial stages of his career. In September 2015, he suffered a torn ACL that ruled him out for several months. Despite this setback, he managed to make a successful comeback and played an important role in Barcelona’s treble-winning season.
In April 2017, Rafinha once again faced a major setback when he suffered another serious knee injury. This time it was a meniscus tear that required surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation. These injuries hindered his development and limited his playing time in subsequent seasons.
The Loan Spells
To regain match fitness and regular playing time, Rafinha was loaned out by Barcelona on two occasions during his time at the club. In January 2018, he joined Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season. He enjoyed a successful spell in Italy, contributing with goals and assists.
Following his return to Barcelona for the 2018-2019 season, Rafinha struggled to break into the first team due to intense competition for places. As a result, he was loaned out once again, this time to Celta Vigo for the 2019-2020 campaign.
The Departure from Barcelona
After spending the entire season on loan at Celta Vigo, it became clear that Rafinha’s future lay away from Barcelona. In August 2020, he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a permanent transfer. The move allowed him to reunite with former Barcelona teammate Neymar and embark on a new chapter in his career.
Leaving Barcelona after more than a decade was undoubtedly an emotional moment for Rafinha. However, he expressed gratitude towards the club and its fans for their support throughout his journey.
In Conclusion
Rafinha Alcántara’s departure from Barcelona in 2020 marked the end of an era for both player and club. Despite facing numerous injury setbacks, he showed resilience and versatility during his time at Barcelona. While his departure may have been bittersweet, it opens up new opportunities for him to further showcase his skills and contribute to his new team, Paris Saint-Germain.