Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has confessed that he would like it if Cristiano Ronaldo finally ended up leaving Real Madrid this summer.
In an interview with Marca, the Croatia midfielder recognised Ronaldo’s strengths and for that reason believes it would be good for Barça if the Portuguese forward moved on.
“I find it difficult to imagine that he will leave,” Rakitic siad. “However, football moves quickly and many things happen. He’s the player that makes the difference at Real Madrid.
“And, if he goes, I would be glad, I’m not going to lie. As a colleague, though, I hope he makes the best decision. As with Zinedine Zidane, I wish him the best. And if he goes, well, better [for Barcelona].”
Rakitic is preparing for the World Cup in Russia, where he will face Lionel Messi. “There’s no one in football that has found the formula to stop him. Not [Croatia coach] Dalic, not me… no one. What you have to do is enjoy him.”
The Barça midfielder added: “We admit that it’s really special to compete with Leo, but he also knows that we’re all excited to play against him. It’s not that it’s something nice, but this is the top-level, it’s a World Cup, the best teams are here and you compete against them. It’s a special motivation to be enjoyed.