Rakitic: Barca made decisions I never understood

Ivan Rakitic admitted that he never understood every decision made at Barcelona, but always went along with them anyway for the good of the team.

A glorious six-year spell in Barcelona recently ended for Rakitic, who rejoined Sevilla earlier this week on a €1.5m deal.

The Croatia international made 310 appearances during his Blaugrana career, managing 35 goals and 42 assists. He won four LaLiga crowns, four Copa del Reys, and the Champions League among other silverware.

“The time had come for me to leave Barcelona,” Rakitic explained to El Partidazo de COPE and Marca.

“I’m going back to Sevilla with excitement, and I’m looking forward to getting started and helping the team.”

Rakitic on Messi following him to Sevilla

"We would find a place for him, no problem!" 😂 pic.twitter.com/6uzzkH0auX

— Goal India (@Goal_India) September 3, 2020

The 32-year-old, who jokingly invited Lionel Messi to join Sevilla, also shared some insight into his relationship with his former teammate.

“[Lionel] Messi and I were not best friends, but we always got along,” said Rakitic. “He didn’t talk to me about his departure. I found out in the press.”

When asked if his relationship with Messi led to Arturo Vidal playing more in his position, Rakitic replied: “I don’t know.

“I was always available to play, and decisions were made that I didn’t understand. But I went along with them for the team.”