By Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye
Ivan Rakitic has stated he has no wish to depart Barcelona following the arrival of Philippe Coutinho.
The Croatia midfielder has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool following the £145million signing of Coutinho but is one of coach Ernesto Valverde’s most trusted players.
The 29-year-old has figured in 28 games this season and is utilised in a different role to that of Coutinho who is seen as someone who will take over the roles of Neymar and ultimately Andres Iniesta.
Barcelona presented Philippe Coutinho to crowds at the Nou Camp on Monday
Rakitic is under contract until 2021 and has recently moved into a new home. He is settled at Barcelona and wants to continue there as they chase La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.
Staying at Barcelona is also pivotal to Rakitic remaining focused so that he can help Croatia in this summer’s World cup.
‘Every great player is welcome here,’ said Rakitic of Coutinho’s arrival. ‘He is one of the family now, we are going to enjoy him a lot, he’s now at the biggest club in the world.’