This summer, Croatian Ivan Rakitić, who moved from Sevilla to Barcelona club, in an interview for the newspaper "Marca" talked about the upcoming season and his first impressions in Catalonia.
- The season starts with the European Super Cup match where your former team will play against Real Madrid from Madrid.
- Yes, that's true. I received an invitation to come to Cardiff to watch the match. I am not rooting against Real, but I really want to see Sevilla win and I wish they win trophies. It could be said that Sevilla has one extra fan - me.
- Where were you when you received the call from Barcelona?
- Honestly, I don't remember. At that time, we were training with the Croatian national team football players and in my mind was the World Cup, but I can say that I wanted to move to Barça as soon as possible. I wanted to finish the transfer formalities quickly and focus on the battles in Brazil.
- Who will be Barcelona's toughest rivals in the Spanish championship?
- If we judge by how the championship unfolded last season, I would say it will be both Madrid clubs. However, there can always be surprises. The quality and level of the Spanish championship have improved in recent years. Every match is an incredibly tough test.
- What do you think about Lionel Messi?
- Deco once said that Leo can play until he turns 60. I would say that he can play until 70 or 80. God gave him something that others don’t have, and I thank God that I can play together with Leo in one team.
- Last season, L. Messi was one of those constantly criticized...
- If there are those who doubt his abilities, they should be ashamed. I think Lionel is the best football player in the world.
- What can you say about Neymar?
- I had the chance to compete against him in the World Cup in Brazil. Despite being very young, the quality and skills of his game on the field are amazing. If Neymar finds space on the field, it is very difficult to stop him.
- As if that wasn't enough, in the new season, Luis Suarez will also play with Messi and Neymar.
- And I thought about it. Just the thought gives me chills.
- What about Cristiano Ronaldo?
- He is a slightly different player, but there's no need to talk about his game. He is a player who can change events on the field. His importance in the team's game is undeniable.
- Which players from Real and Atletico do you like the most?
- Mario Mandžukić plays in Atletico. He is my friend. Luka Modrić plays for Real. He is also my good friend. I wish them success, and both teams have many good players, so it's hard for me to pick one.
- Is Luis Enrique really as demanding as they say?
- Absolutely, it's true. He is a perfectionist, and I think that this coach quality will bring a lot of benefits to the team.
- How do you evaluate Carlo Ancelotti's work in Spain?
- Obviously, he is one of the best coaches in the world. His arrival was very beneficial for Spanish football. This coach can make the team win.
- And Diego Simeone?
- He is one of the most prominent figures. I admire D. Simeone a lot simply because it is extremely difficult to play against the teams he coaches.
- If someone now said that Barcelona could win all three major club trophies this season, would that person be called crazy?
- No, why would they. I think it would be the words of a realist, not a crazy person. On the other hand, there is still a long way to go before those trophies, and it is too early to talk about it, but I think Barcelona has a winner's mentality.
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