Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has been the latest to appear on Jorge Valdano's TV show, where he has opened up about his frustrating season with the Blaugrana.
Having been a first-team regular since joining the club, Barcelona tried using Rakitic in negotiations for Neymar this summer and, since the beginning of the season, he has had to make do with a place on the bench.
"How does my little girl feel when her toy is taken away?" Rakitic pondered on Movistar's 'Universo Valdano'.
"Sad. I feel the same way. They have taken the ball away from me - I feel sad."
Rakitic has been one of Barcelona's best performers since arriving from Sevilla in the summer of 2014 and he believes that he still has something left in the tank.
"I understand and respect the decisions of the coach, a club or whatever," Rakitic added.
"I have given so much in these five years that I have been at Barcelona and I want to continue enjoying [myself here].
"I'm 31, not 38, and I feel like I'm at my best."
RezwanNiloy
583
2015 champions league Rakitic played a vital part.. all the time when he played for Barcelona he did his best....but tue motherfucker velverde didn't acknowledge him....he thinks that arthur is better than him...but arthur is too young..he needs more experience...
fooboobxps
525
i never want him to go but when the board tells you, "you prolly wont be playing allot so its better for us to fix this and find a way you can leave" and then you stay, dont expect to get game time.. sad to say and see but this is what happened so i really dont get why he complains when this was litteraly told to him.
TaslimAlamat
512
I am also very sad for Rakatic. Why Barcelona and Valverde spoil his one of best midfielder's career. I think barca treated him very much bad. 😭😭😭
wuadlnoz
356
indeed Rakitic can complain it's heart breaking I feel bad when I see him on the bench and Vidal on the pitch, it's a serious issue. I feel that the presence of Valverde and Vidal in the Barcelona team is a virus that we need to get rid of before our team is totally into mess otherwise our own Barcelona will soon loose its reputation,philosophy and dignity.
Rannie88
336
Ivan Rakitic is going nowhere, he need more playing time he has proven it in the passed year and he can still do that. Mr. Valverde If you don’t know how to rotate players then leave and leave our player Rakitic alone cuz he going nowhere. Barca is the best club. ❤️⚽️⚽️⚽️🇨🇮🇱🇷
fupalryz
316
We are very Sorry Humble one.😢😢... You were very soft on the ball and seemed not to be focused on games especially last season... You will admit your performance was poor as compared to ur earlier seasons
k52
291
Barcelona's behaviour towards their legends particularly against Ivan Rakitic surprised us all when everyone knows that he is the most reliable midfielder specially in the big games and who scores against big clubs. There is no doubt that he is far far better than Arthur Melo. It's a utter stupidity on the part of Valvarde to keep him on the bench. But what more you can expect from runningoutofideas manager.
raynknight
260
Two most Heartbreaking Thing I get to know in this month was on this app 😖.... :) That Horror injury to Andre Gomes :) This Statement from our ever smiling Ivan Rakitic
Zosabdr
222
Rakitic for the good of the club you love so much please accept this in good faith... Barcelona is preparing for Post Messi Era.....the fact is you all must go.
Jamirl
160
I feel sad for you too
Benjamite
140
Frankie De Jong is far better than him..... I will choose Frankie ahead of him.....