"It hurts to see Barca like this, it has been my home"

Al Shabab player Ivan Rakitic spoke to 'Marca' newspaper and explained how he sees FC Barcelona from the outside: "It hurts to see it because it has been my home for 6 years and I have a very special affection for it. Xavi is a close friend of mine and to see him suffer hurts my soul".

Furthermore, the Croatian defended Gavi and Pedri: "They have spectacular talent, they are going to be the future of Barca and of Spanish football, but I think that help from us, from the older players, would have been good for them," he said, in contrast to what is happening at Real Madrid with Kroos and Modric.

"I'm convinced that all those guys like Bellingham and company, they really appreciate the daily learning they have with them," said the Croatian midfielder.

Rakitic is confident that the situation at his former club can change, as he commented that "they are not as bad as they seem" and that the players can "fix it with results". In fact, the midfielder is tipping Barca to win this edition of the Champions League.