Transfer Centre

Ivan Rakitic wants Barcelona stay amid January exit rumours

By Leo Nieboer | 09 December 2019

Ivan Rakitic declares that Barcelona is the perfect place for him amid rumours linking him with a move away in the January transfer window.

Ivan Rakitic has declared that Barcelona is the perfect place for him amid rumours linking him with a move away in the January transfer window.

Prior to a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund last month, Rakitic had only made one appearance in La Liga all season and was tipped to leave in January.

However, since producing an impressive performance in that game, the Croat has started against Atletico Madrid and Espanyol.

Reflecting on his future at the Camp Nou, Rakitic told Goal.com: "Lots of things have happened in the last few months. Sometimes, things happen that you can't understand, but you have to accept it.

"It's happened to me. No one gives you anything. I want to give my all and if I can play here then I've always said that there's no better place than Barcelona to keep winning trophies, it's the perfect place for me.

"I want to enjoy myself and try to help the team improve. I'm giving my best and if it can be like it has been in the last few games then that's even better. I'm here to play and take advantage of the minutes I get to earn the trust of the coach and my team-mates."

Reports have suggested that Rakitic had attracted the interest of Inter Milan and Juventus ahead of the January window.

Other sources over the summer claimed that Ernesto Valverde was willing to get rid of several players, including Rakitic, as part of an attempt to address a bloated squad.