Rakitic on Messi: "It's my time; I don't know what he'll do"

Barcelona said goodbye to a footballer who has been key in recent years. Rakitic said goodbye to the Catalan capital, the club and even to president Bartomeu for helping him leave for Sevilla. 

Rakitic was asked about Messi's situation and his possible departure, but he admitted that he did not anything apart from his departure. "Every player makes his own analysis and takes his own decisions. I've seen that it's my time. I don't know what he or others will do. My departure has gone well. I haven't thought about Messi's, I've thought about my situation," he continued. 

He left a nice message for the club and the fans: "I want to thank you for the opportunity to say goodbye to everyone. For six years it's been my home. We've felt spectacular, at home. The whole city and the people made us welcome. I gave it my all on the field of play. There was no lack of effort or commitment."

 

September 2, 2020

He admitted that it was "difficult to select a (best) moment. In six years, there have been many beautiful moments. However, he said, "I'll go for the day in Berlin." That was where Barcelona beat Juventus in the 2014/15 Champions League final. 

He did not want to dwell on the 2-8 loss to Bayern Munich. "I won't think especially about that. In six seasons a lot of things happen. We didn't like what happened versus Bayern. It's a moment of reflection, but also to congratulate the other team," he said. 

"I don't think the club has become less attractive. My teammates in the national team and the rest of the people tell me that Barca are Barca, the greatest club in the world. It's a dream to be able to play for Barca," the Croat explained. 

He also made clear that he is not bitter about leaving. "I understand how football works." He did not want to blame Koeman for his decision. "More than a message, I've felt the time has come and I'm happy to step aside and return to Sevilla. I made a very thorough analysis of everything.

 

September 2, 2020