This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic has downplayed transfer rumors surrounding his future at the club, stating that he is used to the speculation and is focused on preparing for next season.
With the arrival of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax and Sergio Busquets signing a new five-year deal, Barcelona's midfield is looking crowded, and Rakitic's future at the club has been called into question.
Speaking ahead of Barcelona's pre-season match against Chelsea in Japan, Rakitic acknowledged that it was awkward discussing his future but emphasized that he is not bothered by the rumors.
“Does it bother me? No it doesn’t, I have to understand soccer in general works like that,” Rakitic said at a news conference in Tokyo on Monday.
He added that the rumors fill him with pride, as they indicate that other teams are taking notice of his performances.
Barcelona's coach, Ernesto Valverde, has an embarrassment of riches in attacking midfielders, with the arrival of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid this month.
Griezmann joins a loaded attacking group that includes Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Phillipe Coutinho, and Ousmane Dembele.
French international Griezmann is confident that he can adapt to Barcelona's style of play, which he describes as different from Atletico's.
“They are two different ways of attacking,” Griezmann said. “At Atletico it’s very quick and the other way is with lots of patience. I will adapt like I did at Atletico.”
