Ivan Rakitic: I hope Leo Messi stays at Barca
The Croatian centre midfielder was presented as Sevilla's new signing
Ivan Rakitic is now a Sevilla player again after Barcelona signed him from the Andalusian club in 2014. He played there from the 2010-11 season until moving to the Camp Nou, where he operated for six years.
"The moment didn't just arrive for me but for Sevilla too, we are together now, it is the perfect moment, I have my best years ahead of me and a brilliant hope, I want us to be together, moving forward," said Rakitic as he was presented again.
On the decision to return he said: "It was quite easy, you know what I feel towards Sevilla Football Club, towards the city, towards the fans, my top priority was Sevilla and when we saw it was possible we moved quickly together. I feel so much pride, so much enthusiasm to start, to get out on that pitch, I'm really happy."
He thinks he has improved since he left. "I hope that I come back much better, I've had the luck to play in big games and win many titles. To be World Cup finalists with my country. I think a much more mature and confident Ivan returns, with a lot of football ahead of him. The Ivan that returns has a much higher rating than the other (that left)."
On Barcelona and the burning issue of Leo Messi's future, Rakitic was clear.
"I hope Messi can stay in La Liga," said Rakitic. "But (if he goes) it doesn't change our ambition. We want to work with humility and try to win every game."
Asked if Messi would fit in at Sevilla, he joked: "Sure we'll find a place for him, no problem. It's nice to see how this club is growing, it's a really good unit."
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