Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has confirmed that he will be staying at Camp Nou despite possible offensives from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic confirms he will be staying at Barcelona. (Source:www.dailyexpress.co.uk)
The Croatian star is being linked with a £81 million move to French champions PSG, and Rakitic was being offered a huge salary hike. But now, the World Cup finalist has made it clear that he has rejected the offer.
“I am staying at Barcelona – there have been a few days of reflection. I feel fortunate to be able to defend the club badge and let’s hope I can be here many more years. Nothing special convinced me to stay, this is the best club in the world.” Rakitic said.
Barca told Rakitic’s representative that they would not seek to extend or revalue theirs contract after making financial efforts for other players in the locker room including Samuel Umtiti.
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, meanwhile, has insisted that his midfielder Rakitic remains an integral part of his side as he stressed the Catalan club are not interested in simply boosting their finances amid in the 30-year-old midfielder from French champions.
“He is a fundamental player for us and I am counting on him due to what he does for us, the importance he had for the team last season was clear,” Valverde said.
“I hope that he stays here. I want to have the best players here and he is one of the best. He knows how we play, he is integrated into the team and the club. We are not here to make money from a player, we aim to win and make the trophy room bigger.” Valverde added.
Ivan Rakitic and team-mate Luka Modric in Croatian national team. (Source:www.sportstarlive.com)
Rakitic joined Barcelona on a five-year deal from La Liga rivals Sevilla in 2014. He was one of the best performers for Valverde’s side in 2017/18 season, and is expected to carry through his World Cup form
German champions Bayern Munich on the other hand, they had also expressed in Rakitic this summer but media revealed the midfielder will stay at Barca.
In this season Rakitic scored two goals in World Cup and International Friendlies but scored 0 goals and 0 assists in Barcelona, with four times he played game in first line.
