The 22-year-old has recalled a scalding he received from his coach when he was a youngster in Barcelona's B team.Rafinha as revealed how Barcelona coach Luis Enrique once gave him a stern warning for not running enough during training.
The 22-year-old - who is the brother of Bayern Munich star and former Barca midfielder Thiago Alcantara - spent last season on loan at Celta Vigo before breaking into the first team at Camp Nou his term.
Rafinha has made 33 appearances in all competitions under Luis Enrique but admitted his coach wasn't always his biggest fan when he was a youngster in Barca's B team.
"With him I learned about the physical demands of being a professional," he said in an interview with Barca TV.
"In one of the rondos with Barca B he pulled me out of the group and asked: 'Are you OK? Has something happened?' I said no and he told me: "Well start running then.'"
The Brazilian-born Spaniard retains a close relationship with sibling Thiago but says the pair are very different players.
"Thiago is a different player. I used to be stunned by what he could do with the ball. I remember him being something away from the norm. He is one of the best in the world.
"I'm so proud of Thiago. My idols are my dad and my brother. We have experienced so much together and I have learned from them as footballers and as people."
Rafinha also revealed how he initially feared being rejected by Barcelona as a child and that he began his career in a very different position to the attacking midfield role he now assumes.
"My father told me Barcelona wanted to trial me. I was surprised, and I was fearful they would say no.
"A year earlier I was playing in goal! He told me we were going to visit my brother because he knew I was afraid of the trial.
"I always liked being in goal. It fascinated me, but in the end I knew I made the right choice."
Luis Enrique gave his thoughts on the prospect's progress during Monday's press conference, adding: "He’s had a great season; he’s made more appearances at certain times. He’s got a lot of competition and will continue his learning process."
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