Rakitic says goodbye and comments on Messi’s situation: “For me the first option would always be Barça” | Spanish football

• De Jong says that Barcelona is “in a mess” and values ​​the impact of Messi’s departure: “It would be a blow”

Confirmed as a reinforcement for the Sevillian team last Monday, Rakitic prevailed on Wednesday in a farewell ceremony, with the presence of President Josep Maria Bartomeu and a press conference to speak of goodbye. And he explained his reasons.

– After six years, it was not easy to leave. I am very grateful for all the details. I don’t like to talk about the end of an era. I think that each player has to think about when the time comes to leave, and that moment has come for me, nothing more – he summarized.

And during the press conference, for several moments, journalists focused on another farewell process: Messi’s. The day the Argentine’s father arrived in Barcelona for a meeting with the board, the Croatian was asked three questions about the possible dismissal of jersey 10. Initially, Rakitic dodged.

– I had to think too much of myself to think of other players. I respect everyone’s decision and said that they are decisions that everyone must make. Above all I respect Barça, it is part of my life and my heart. Each player should do what they think is best for them – Rakitic commented.

• While waiting for his father to meet with the Barcelona board, Messi dines with his friend Suárez

Shortly after, the Croatian was asked about Messi on two more occasions, saying that each athlete must make their assessment. But that staying at the Camp Nou must always be the priority.

– The first option and the best option for all players is always Barça. So, each player has to make their decision and I prefer to talk about mine. The others, I don’t know. But for me the first option would always have to be Barça.

Rakitic arrived in Barcelona at the beginning of 2014/15, after standing out at Sevilla. And he became an important part of the team that would win the Champions League that season. The Croatian played 310 games for the Catalan club and won a total of 13 trophies: one from the Champions League, one from the Club World Cup, four from the Spanish Championship, four from the Copa del Rey, two from the Spanish Super Cup and one from the European Super Cup.

The 32-year-old midfielder indicated that his decision to leave was more an option to “feel the moment” than a possible message from Ronald Koeman, the team’s new coach, about the little utility.

Recalling his career, Rakitic thanked Xavi and Iniesta for their daily coexistence and pointed out that he would like to keep the image of a humble player, who tried himself and dedicated himself to the club in the best way. Discarding any injuries, the player avoided criticizing the club’s momentum, which ended the 2019/20 season with an 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich.

– I don’t want to keep the last game. We know what happened, we are the first who did not like it, but there were many moments when we were on the other side. It is a moment of reflection, of analyzing many things, but also of congratulating the other team. Sorry, I can’t be in this last game. It is the right time to reflect, but there are so many beautiful and special moments that I will stick with.

Asked if he would celebrate a goal scored against Barcelona in the possible matches of the Spanish season, Rakitic was resounding.