‘FC Barcelona Are Better Than Real Madrid’

New FC Barcelona signing Raphinha has boasted that the club has a better team than bitter rivals Real Madrid.

The Brazil international made his debut for the Catalans in Miami on Tuesday night after joining from Leeds United as part of a deal believed to be worth over €60mn with add-ons.

Handed his debut in the opening fixture of Barca’s U.S. tour against Inter Miami, the 25-year-old rewarded the faith showed in him by coach Oscar Hernandez – who was stepping in for brother Xavi unable to make the trip yet due to passport issues – by scoring his maiden goal in Blaugrana colors in the 25th minute.

Following the 6-0 win which also saw the likes of Gavi, Ansu Fati and positional rival Ousmane Dembele get on the scoresheet, the Porto Alegre maid comments that will no doubt enchant his fanbase and annoy another.

With Barca’s bitter enemies from the mainland capital waiting next in Las Vegas on July 24, Raphinha declared: “We are better than Real Madrid and of course I want to face them.”

Full of praise for his new teammates, Raphinha said that “playing with these players at Barca makes everything easier”.

“I still have to adapt to the team’s game, but they are helping me and I hope to help them too,” he revealed.

As one of Europe’s most-wanted forwards until switching allegiances last Friday, with interest from Chelsea putting Barca’s approach in jeopardy, Raphinha remains convinced that he chose the right destination and was correct in holding out for his dream club.

“Barca has a great team, with very talented players and I think the future is theirs,” he said.

“Barca is in good hands and must fight for great titles,” he insisted.

With Xavi now boasting plenty of options in almost every area of the pitch, defender Eric Garcia noted that competition for places “always makes everyone better”.

“We have many top players in all positions and they are all duplicated with people of a high level,” explained the ex-Manchester City man.

“Everyone will give an extra to want to play. Competition is good for the players, but especially for the team.”