Rafinha Returns: Barcelona's Sneaky Spark Prepares to Spark Stamford Bridge

Rafinha's Return Lights the Barça-Chelsea Matchup

Rafinha, the Brazilian star of Barcelona, expressed happiness at returning to action after a two-month injury layoff and said he hopes to help the Catalan club secure a win against Chelsea in the upcoming Champions League clash.

Barcelona sit 11th in La Liga with 7 points from 4 games, having defeated Newcastle United (2-1) and Olympiakos (6-1), while losing to Paris Saint-Germain (2-1) and drawing 3-3 with Club Brugge.

Chelsea sit 12th with 7 points as well, but level on goal difference with Barcelona.

In Monday's press conference, Rafinha said: "Being able to play again is special after two months out; it's very tough for any player."

"I love being on the pitch, and the return here is special; I love Stamford Bridge, I have played here and scored before. I hope to help the team; if the coach picks me I will give my best and I hope to help the team."

"I missed the team more than they missed me. I am a bit of a nuisance to the opposition; I think the players on the pitch have quality. If I show my best version, I can ask more from the team."

"The period was very tough; it was complicated. Spending these months without playing was hard. Returning after two months is complex; I need match rhythm and want to come back as soon as possible."

On awards, he added: "I felt undervalued; I think I deserved more. Of course we missed the Champions League as a team; individual awards depend on votes. I had a great season, and that is enough for me."

"Regarding the Champions League race, I have always said that to play for this club your main goal must be to win the competition. Last season we were very close to the final. Now I see the team more mature. It’s a very tough tournament, and we will do everything to reach the final and win it."

"The two injuries? It could be. I suffered two setbacks; the first was my fault, the second maybe as well. I take full responsibility for the setbacks."

"Every season is different. Last season we had great games on big stages. This season the team may look different. The team that makes fewer mistakes will leave tomorrow with the win."

"About my preferred position: honestly I feel comfortable anywhere on the pitch. I have no fixed position. I just want to help the team. It doesn’t matter if I play on the right, left, or in the middle."

"About Chelsea before moving to Barcelona: I was 100% clear about what I wanted, which was to play for Barcelona. I always believed, and here I am wearing Barcelona’s shirt. After my last game with Leeds I knew there were offers from Barcelona and Chelsea, but in my heart I had a dream to achieve, so I closed the door on the other clubs."

"What I do to help the team is personal; it’s not about showing I’m a captain. When I see that they need my help, as when water was requested, I am there. My struggles in the stands were greater than on the bench, because there you are ready to play."

"On Estevao and Lamine Yamal: for me they are two players at an amazing level. The coming years will make them some of the best in the world. I work with Lamine at the club and Estevao in the national team; they are hugely talented. It depends on them. They are on the right path to be the best in their positions, at their clubs, and with their national teams. Talent is personal; what I can do is help them tactically, though that’s up to the coach. I try to help them with my experience. They will continue to soar for many years."

He concluded: "In football today, the most important thing is playing with awareness because everyone has access to all information. The defensive aspect is very important. The team that defends better has the best chances to win."

Punchline time: Rafinha’s back, and the defense should watch its back—his dribbles are sharper than a sniper’s sight. If you blink, you’ll miss a perfectly timed run that ends with the ball in the back of the net. And yes, Stamford Bridge just got a new alarm clock: Rafinha is awake, and so is the goal.