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RAF AND TUMBLE

Rafinha wants Barcelona stay as midfielder ace deals blow to Arsenal and Chelsea

Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the Brazil midfielder and was said to be eyeing a £27m bid before the transfer window closed

ARSENAL and Chelsea have been dealt a blow as Rafinha revealed he wants to stay at Barcelona.

Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the Brazil midfielder and was said to be eyeing a £27million bid.

 Rafinha says that he wants to stay at Barcelona
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Rafinha says that he wants to stay at BarcelonaCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

But the player's father - World Cup winner Mazinho - says he want to stay at the Nou Camp.

Mazinho insists: "We have no interest (in leaving) either. We have a contract with Barca."

Rafinha, 24, is yet to play for the Blaugrana this season after suffering a knee injury.

But he is close to a return, with Mazinho adding: "We haven't talked to anyone because with an injured player, it's difficult to negotiate anything with other clubs.


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 Mazinho, far left with Bebeto and Romario at the 1994 World Cup, says that he son is staying put
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Mazinho, far left with Bebeto and Romario at the 1994 World Cup, says that he son is staying putCredit: Getty Images
 Rafinha played a total of 28 games for Barca next season
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Rafinha played a total of 28 games for Barca next seasonCredit: Getty Images

"I've had a perfect relationship with Barca since 2005 and I have no complaints.

"Rafinha's fine, he's recovering, carrying out his work, and he'll be back soon.

"The important thing is that he's feeling better.

"Our concern is that he recovers, that he can return to a football pitch."

 Rafinha is currently recovering from a knee injury
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Rafinha is currently recovering from a knee injuryCredit: Getty Images


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 Arsene Wenger is an admirer of the Brazilian midfielder
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Arsene Wenger is an admirer of the Brazilian midfielderCredit: AP:Associated Press

Sao Paulo-born Rafinha joined the club's La Masia academy at the age of 13 and represented Spain at three different age groups.

At the age of 20 he switched his allegiance to the his birth country and went on to win full honours, scoring once in his two caps.

He netted six times in 18 Liga appearances last season, having won the title twice and the Champions League once since becoming a first-team squad member.

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