Transfer Centre

Ivan Rakitic laughs off speculation over Barcelona future

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 07 May 2020

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic insists that he is happy at Camp Nou amid speculation regarding a possible move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has played down speculation that he is close to an exit from Camp Nou.

The Croatia international, whose current deal with the Catalan giants is set to expire next summer, was reportedly made available for transfer by Barca as they look to raise funds for the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur had been touted as a potential destination for Rakitic, but the 32-year-old has insisted that he is keen to stay in Catalonia beyond the summer.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Rakitic said: "I've got used to it a bit. I've been here six years now - so I've had six years of this sort of thing.

"I have to try to understand it, to remember that football is not just a sport. There is a bit more to it. We know that, we have to try to understand it - you have a laugh about it sometimes.

"The main thing is that I feel good and I am getting good feedback from the manager and the club.

"I've still got a contract, when I sign a contract I always intend to fulfil it, and if that cannot happen for any reason, then we'll sit down together and talk about it.

"But for the moment, I am very happy here and I am thinking about other stuff."

Rakitic has amassed 35 goals in 299 games for Barca since arriving from Sevilla in 2014.