Ivan Rakitic hails "greatest midfielder" Xavi

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has insisted that he is "thankful" he spent a season working alongside Xavi.

The 35-year-old has left Camp Nou to move to Al Sadd after 17 seasons with Barcelona, in which he won 25 major honours.

Rakitic, who is likely to play in Xavi's central midfield position this season, says that the Spaniard has taught him a great deal.

He told The Guardian: "I wanted to make the most of my time with the greatest midfielder we have; working with him, learning from him.

"I'm thankful for that year we had. Not just because of what you learn on the pitch but in the dressing room – respect, humility, how to work with the physios, how to prepare."

Rakitic and Xavi helped Barcelona win the treble last season.