translated from Spanish: Ivan Rakitic: “Barca has been wonderful but it was time to go”

Croatian player Ivan Rakitic said Wednesday at his farewell to Barcelona, after his return to Seville on Tuesday, which was the “time to go” and put an end to a “wonderful” stage at Camp Nou.” The time to leave was now, I’ve done a thorough analysis. For me it is important to give the special pass of returning to Seville. But there is no better place to be than to play at Barca, in the best club in the world,” he said in his farewell, along with President Blaugrana, Josep Maria Bartomeu.Rakitic, who stressed that he is the foreign player with the best average of games played per season. “I’ll take that. It’s been special. I’ll take it, but it’s time to go. I’ll take Barca in my heart,” he acknowledged. The Croatian has felt Barcelona and the club as his home for six years, but acknowledged that his player side made him choose to go out and close a blaugrana stage of which he is “proud”, despite acknowledging that it may have been better, especially the last campaign.” Commitment and struggle on my part can never be lacking. I’ve enjoyed every day. Playing at Camp Nou and playing 310 games for Barcelona is something I couldn’t even imagine as a child. Nor has it won so many titles or learning from great players, it has been a unique experience,” he reiterated. Barca is the team I’ve been in for the most seasons, if I have to keep a moment, it would be Berlin (the ‘Champions’ won in 2015). But also every League achieved, I remember the first Title of the King’s Cup. I’m proud of everything you’ve accomplished. I’ve passed on who I am, and I’m going very happy,” he said, about what time he stays. On the other hand, he said he did not know what will happen to Lionel Messi, who wants to leave the club, but will respect his decision. “Each player does their analysis and makes their decision. You have to understand from me that I’ve seen that it’s time to go. What Leo’s going to do, I don’t know. You have to respect your opinion, but for me the first option would always be Barca,” he acknowledged. Ivan Rakitic leaves Barca as the fourth foreign player with the most games played – a total of 310 matches, with 16 goals and 40 assists – only surpassed by Leo Messi, Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano. In addition, he has won 13 titles -4 Leagues, 1 ‘Champions’, 4 Copa del Rey, 1 Club World Cup, 1 European Super Cup and 2 Spanish Super Cups.

Original source in Spanish