Rakitic reveals he was never close friends with Messi or Suarez at Barcelona

Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has surprisingly revealed that Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were t his close friends during his six-year stint in Barcelona. Earlier this summer, 32-year-old returned to his former club Sevilla and in recent discussions has admitted he was never close friends with eir Messi or Suarez.

Also Read | Barcelona Chief Josep Maria Bartomeu Reveals Why He Couldn’t Let Lionel Messi Leave 

Rakitic opens up on situation with Messi and Suarez at Barcelona

Rakitic recently left Barcelona and also played his last game for national side Croatia. Speaking to Spanish outlet El Desmarque, he made a huge revelation about his chemistry with Messi and Suarez. “My relationship with m was never one of my close friends. I believe that's hard in a group of 23 or 24 players. My closest friends were Andres Iniesta, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Junior Firpo last season." 

However, Croat had only praise for two icons of Barcelona - Messi and Suarez. "I respect m both. y were my team-mates for six years and are very important players. I've always got on incredibly well and have utmost respect for m." Despite t being closest in group, Rakitic mentioned that y still keep in touch.

Also Read | Barcelona Willing To Pay Off Luis Suarez’s Contract To Speed Up His Exit But Face Issues

Returning to club where he spent four productive seasons between 2011 and 2014, midfielder will hope to put great performances and is fully focused w that he has also anunced his retirement from international football. "Saying goodbye to national team is most difficult decision of my career, but I felt that it was moment when I had to break through and make that decision," Rakitic anunced in a statement that he has enjoyed every game he played for this country and that 2018 World Cup will be an unforgettable campaign for him. 

Rakitic's new club Sevilla are set to start 2020-21 season with a UEFA Super Cup game against Bayern Munich and will n play Cadiz in ir first domestic fixture. Rakitic will return to Camp u when Sevilla take on Barcelona on October 4. Rakitic won 16 major trophies at Barcelona, including four La Liga titles and Champions League.

Also Read | Lionel Messi Could MISS First El Clasico This Season If He Prioritises Argentina WC Games

Rakitic transfer: Croat returns to Sevilla

Sevilla re-signed Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona for an initial fee of €1.5 million ahead of new season. move will see 32-year-old head back to Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium where he plied his trade before moving to Camp u. 

Also Read | Lionel Messi Wins Legal Battle To Trademark Famous Surname After NINE Long Years

Im credits: AP