Rakitic on fulfilling Barça contract and returning to training

Ivan Rakitic has once again reiterated his desire to see out his contract at Barcelona, which runs until the summer of 2021. 

Barça have been looking to move the midfielder on since last summer but the Croatian international has stayed strong and resisted offers from a number of European clubs. 

"I am used to it," he told Sky Deutschland about the rumours around his future. "I have been in Barcelona for six years and I have heard it all. 

"I always try to remember that football is not just a sport but something more and, sometimes, it's best just to laugh. The most important thing is that I am doing well and I get on well with the coach and the club. I still have a contract and when I sign I always have the intention of respecting it until the end." 

However, he did leave the door slightly ajar: "If I cannot fulfil my contract for any reason, we will sit down and we will talk about. But for the moment I am very happy in Barcelona." 

Barcelona would like to sell Rakitic to fund moves in other positions this summer. He's been mentioned as a possible makeweight in a deal for Juventus's Pjanic but the Italian team are no longer interested. In Spain, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid have shown a desire to sign the player. 

Rakitic also spoke about returning to the training ground this week following eight weeks in confinement: "It was my first day of fresh air after two months at home and it was a nice feeling, a little strange driving with gloves, with the mask... It's a new situation for everyone but it must be respected. I want to enjoy the moment and be ready to play if they allow us to."