Ivan Rakitic: I want to play, I'll take the risk

Ivan Rakitic spoke to Marca in an interview. He is ready to play football again.

"I want to play," said the Croatian. "The moment's arrived to give back to society what they give us."

The debate is raging but Rakitic is sure.

"I want to play, it's evident that we should try and come back with the best health guarantees, but we should also know that it will never be 100 per cent safe. But the same risk all workers will have when they go back. Supermarket employees also get changed in dressing rooms and have the same chance or more of getting the virus. They take the risk and I want to take it too.

"We have this debut and I'm sure if they asked the fans they would love if there was football. We have to try and help the fans enjoy it again. Footballers can be an example, giving support to all the workers who have showed us this strength. I want to unite to this strength.

"There are many people who are fighting and suffering in this situation, in some way they are our heroes. Some have taken irreparable blows. I would like to give them my support, my hugs and my recognition forever. We'll never forget all this, but we can't stay with the negative. We have to show our solidarity in this tough time. We have to pull out strength from wherever we can to move forward."