Raphinha clears up Brazil comments: 'If my body allows it, I will give my best'

Barcelona forward Raphinha has reiterated his desire to play as much as possible for Brazil provided he is in good physical condition.

Raphinha recently admitted he had spoken with Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti about the need to manage his playing time with the national team having returned from the previous three international windows with hamstring injuries.

His comments were not well received in Brazil and Raphinha said on Friday they were misinterpreted.

"What I meant was that the coach [Ancelotti] can count on me when I'm physically fit and available to represent Brazil," Raphinha said ahead of Saturday's international friendly against Japan in Singapore.

"Unfortunately, when we aren't in good physical condition, we can't play -- neither here nor at our clubs. That was the intent behind my statement; it wasn't about deciding which matches I should or shouldn't play in.

"I want to play every match and as many minutes as I can. I also said that, if my body allows it, I will give my absolute best."

Raphinha, 29, did confirm reports he had moved forward the surgery to remove a cyst in his left ear so that he could be available to play for Brazil in the two friendlies in November.

Barcelona had reportedly wanted the player to have the operation during the international window but Raphinha had the procedure done after Barcelona's Clasico defeat to Real Madrid on Oct. 25.

He did not miss any of Barça's games before the break.

"Ever since I first wore the national team jersey, I have always made my desire to be here very clear," Raphinha said. "I have never turned my back on the national team; I have always done everything within my power. It has always been an honor, a privilege -- and that will never change."

Ancelotti, meanwhile, insisted on Friday that a player's health always comes first.

"The player's health is always the priority," he said. "If he's 100%, he trains. If he's 100%, he plays. In that regard, we manage the number of minutes he plays.

"This week, [Arsenal's] Bruno [Guimarães] didn't train because he was experiencing some discomfort. Now, he's fine and can play. For how long? I don't know.

"We'll evaluate the situation; we always have all the necessary information to manage his playing time, both in training and in matches. Clubs can rest assured when it comes to the national team -- the priority for everyone is the athlete's health. Our goal is always to return the player in a condition ready to play, free from any injuries."

Raphinha, who has scored 19 goals in 14 appearances for Barcelona this season, is set to captain Brazil on Saturday.

Brazil play their last game of the year against hosts Singapore in an international friendly on Nov. 17.