The midfielder talked up the possibility of the Paris Saint-Germain star returning to the La Liga leaders, who defeated Malaga 2-0 Saturday
Former Barcelona team-mate Ivan Rakitic said he would immediately open the door for former team-mate Neymar to return to Camp Nou.
Neymar left La Liga giants Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record transfer after the Ligue 1 powerhouse activated the Brazil star's €222million buyout clause in August last year.
The 26-year-old forward, who is recovering from a broken foot, has flourished in France but Neymar has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid amid reports he is unsettled in Paris.
Speculation has also linked Neymar with a sensational return to Barca, which head coach Ernesto Valverde rejected, though Rakitic talked up the possibility.
"He has not told me anything, but if it's up to me, I would open the door right now," Rakitic told reporters following Saturday's 2-0 win over Malaga.
"Not only because of the relationship I have with him, but because of the type of player he is.
"I would always put Ney on my team."
Neymar, who suffered a cracked metatarsal in PSG's 3-0 victory over Marseille last month, has scored 28 goals across all competitions this season but saw his side fall to Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Barca, meanwhile, are 11 points clear atop the La Liga table after 28 matches and head into their round of 16 second-leg clash with Chelsea all square at 1-1.
Abdik
65
Once a Barcelona player, always a Barcelona player, I'm certain not only Rakatic, all Barcelona teammates will gladly welcome Neymar into the Barca squad again. I don't understand why some fans of Barcelona hate him, dedicated fans of Barcelona will never do that. I'll never forget the beautiful things Neymar has done for Barca. Sad to say but a return to his former club will most likely not take place and I have feeling that he'll be playing for Real Madrid in the future.
Lukbesu
36
Leaving barca was the greatest mistake Neymar made.With Griezman knocking on the door Hoooooo u have to think of another club.Barca return remains a dream that won't materialize. Concerned Barca fan
dennyx
35
What is it about Neymar? He is not spectacular and his high level of fraudulent schemes turns me off. I love Messi's person and passion for the game.
xafal_dhakal
25
Neymars arrival can change the whole Barcelona XI .There will be lots of attackers in the squad .as griezmaan is trying to have a place in squad .Dembele had a great game against Malaga and Countinho cant be replaced .Duo is the best so no one could replace them. As possible Attackers cant be mangaged .As in case of Neymar He is a world class player and in arrival of him other players cant get chance for showoff .But barca us a great player he should be in Barca team MSN should rise back
bossford1
24
Ashley Young empties his pockets at full-time. 📱 Phone 🔑 Keys 💵 Wallet 😉 Mo Salah