No future at Barca? That’s what Ivan Rakitic says.

Midfielder Ivan Rakitic will continue to play for FC Barcelona. The Croatian stressed this during the preparation of the Catalans, referring to the recent rumours of change: “My idea is very clear: I want to stay with Barca”, said Rakitic in Japan.

After speculation in the past about the 31-year-old’s move to Inter Milan or Manchester United, rumours have now returned. Rakitic explained: “This is a situation I am used to. It happened to me last year.”

The 2018 runners-up added: “I talked to the club and the coach and we have the same idea: I’m staying with Barcelona.” Rakitic last signed a new contract with FC Barcelona until 2021 in 2017, which the ex-Schalker wants to fulfil.

“As always, we are open to everything, but my intention is to stay. I still have two years left on my contract and I want to keep having fun at Barca,” says Rakitic. He no longer feels bothered by speculation. “I know that football works like that and it makes me proud when other teams want me,” said the Croatian national player.

However, an early renewal of the contract is currently not an issue. “I’ve talked to the president about a lot of things. The club has other things to do before they think about it,” Rakitic said, adding, “The president wants to put together a good squad so that the fans can enjoy Barca.”

As early as 2014, the Swiss-born player came to Camp Nou from FC Sevilla for 18 million euros and has since scored 34 goals in 268 matches for Barca.