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A former Camp Nou teammate of two “spectacular” forwards believes the unwanted rumors will end once both men start firing at full steam.
Ivan Rakitic has refuted claims that Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann do not get along at Barcelona, and the former Blaugrana midfielder hopes that the unwanted rumors will stop once two “spectacular” forwards are in top form.
Questions have been asked about the working relationship between the Argentine and French superstars since World Cup winner Griezmann completed a large money transfer in the summer of 2019.
Griezmann was expected to prosper, however the 29-year-old has struggled to find a spark at Barca and faced accusations of failing to make his way into Messi’s good books.
The six-time Ballon d’Or has seen his actions branded “deplorable,” with some saying the South American icon has done little to help his colleague’s cause.
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Rakitic, however, says he saw no signs of tension during his time at Camp Nou, and the Croatian playmaker said so. The Ball: “What I saw was that they got along very well. I got along wonderfully with Antoine and Leo. The two drink mate together and spend a lot of time together in the dressing room.
“If they both start scoring goals, there will be no more talk, that is the requirement and the expectation of a great team like Barcelona. However, I don’t worry because they are two spectacular guys. I wish you the best.”
Rakitic left Barça over the summer after six years and is now back on Sevilla’s books. At 32, he admits that he has to tweak his game a bit to maintain the standards that have been established throughout a distinguished career to date.
He added: “I’m going to have to be measured in what I do on the field. It’s normal, I need a little time. [to adapt]. Barcelona is not the same as Seville. They play differently. We are very competitive and you always want to play.
“I feel like a child. I feel very well and the muscle injuries have not affected me so far. I take care of myself and I have come with the dream of getting the best of me.
“You have to find the rhythm, understand your teammates and make sure they understand you. Every day and every week we are improving; the last two weeks, especially, have been important to me. “
