Categories: News

I wish Neymar never left Barcelona – Rakitic

Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has opened up on life at Camp Nou after the departure of Neymar from Spain last summer.

In August 2017, Neymar parted ways with Rakitic at Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain in a transaction worth €222 million, making him the world’s most expensive player.

The Croatian who will be on parade against the Super Eagles at the World Cup in June in an interview with MARCA said he wished Neymar never left.

“I’m not going to lie to you. I would prefer that Ney was here with us. Apart from being a great player, he is a friend and I am very fond of him.

“After that, we have to continue. Barcelona is not one, two or five players. It is the biggest club in the world and we have to keep working.

“It would seem better to be able to count on him, but if he is not there, we join forces to be even better.”

Rakitic and his team-mates who have since moved on after the shocking Neymar exit are currently deaders by nine points in the league, in the next stage of the Champions League and are in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

This post was last modified on December 14, 2018 10:04 am

SoccerNet Editor

Our editorial team at Soccernet.ng boasts over a decade of combined experience in covering Nigerian football, delivering timely news, expert analysis, and engaging content. With a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence, we connect fans to the heart of Nigerian and global football stories.

Share
Published by
SoccerNet Editor

Recent Posts

Serie A giants Juventus join race for Super Eagles star with two goals for Nigeria

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Super Eagles midfielder dazzling in Serie A with Lazio, has become a… Read More

11 hours ago

Samuel Chukwueze: Super Eagles star set to return to training at AC Milan after hamstring injury

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is set to return to training at AC Milan next… Read More

11 hours ago

AFCON 2025: Nigeria’s Osimhen, Gabon’s Aubameyang make bold predictions for MVP award

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have shared their predictions for the… Read More

12 hours ago

Nottingham Forest head coach denies Awoniyi exit talks, backs Super Eagles striker to hit top form

Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has shunned exit talks concerning Super Eagles striker,… Read More

13 hours ago

Ex-Arsenal star Kelechi Nwakali hits big achievement in England

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has won the award for Barnsley's Goal of The Month… Read More

13 hours ago

“A massive blow” – West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager bemoans Maja’s injury

West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager, Chris Brunt, has lamented the absence of Super Eagles striker,… Read More

14 hours ago