Gossip about Ivan Rakitić's transfer to "Man City" has started to spread in the Croatian press, but Barcelona representatives claim that this is not true.
Rumors about the player's possible move to England intensified even more when he did not play in Sunday's match against "Villarreal."
"Rakitić not playing has nothing to do with a possible transfer. These press reports are completely false," said Barcelona coach Luis Enrique.
"My job is to choose the lineup and the starting eleven - that's what I do," he added.
The club's vice president Jordi Mestre seconded, stating: "We are negotiating a contract extension with Rakitić. We like him not only as a player, but also as a person. We want Ivan to stay."
