Ivan Rakitic: 'I am staying at Barcelona'

Ivan Rakitic has confirmed that he is staying at Barcelona this summer despite "several clubs" making enquiries for the Croatia international in this summer's transfer window.

Paris Saint-Germain have been strongly linked with a move for the midfielder, who helped Croatia reach the final of the 2018 World Cup with a string of impressive performances.

Rakitic was said to be considering his future at Camp Nou, but the 30-year-old has now revealed that he will be staying with the Spanish champions.

"I have had a few days to reflect a little, talk over different things, I have had four fantastic years here and I would like to stay here a long time," Marca quotes Rakitic as saying.

"To be part of the best club in the world is as good as it gets. I speak with my wife and my representative Arturo, and there is no place where I would be better off.

"There were several clubs that enquired about me. We spoke about everything and now the decision is final. The most important thing is that I want to be here, I feel privileged to be in the best club in the world."

Rakitic helped Barcelona record a 1-0 win away to Real Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday night.