Mazinho: 'Rafinha has 'no interest' in Barca exit'

Mazinho insists Rafinha is not looking to leave Barcelona, contrary to reports, and retains a good relationship with Ernesto Valverde.

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has no interest in leaving Barcelona, according to his father Mazinho.

Rafinha has no interest in leaving Barcelona, according to his father Mazinho.

The Brazil international has been out with a knee injury since April, undergoing surgery for the second time earlier this month, but was linked with a move away from Camp Nou in the recent transfer window.

Mazinho - himself a former Brazil star - insists he and his son retain a good relationship with Barca, though, with any move difficult anyway due to Rafinha's fitness concerns.

"The important thing is that [Rafinha] is feeling better," Mazinho told Radio Marca . "Our concern is that he recovers, that he can return to a football pitch.

"We haven't talked to anyone because, with an injured player, it's difficult to negotiate anything with other clubs. Besides, we have no interest [in a move] either. We have a contract with Barca.

"Rafinha's fine, he's recovering, carrying out his work and he'll be back soon. I've had a perfect relationship with Barca since 2005 and I have no complaints.

"I don't think Rafinha has any problems with the coach [Ernesto Valverde] or his system because he's a player that can adapt to any position."