Ivan Rakitic: 'I want to stay at Barcelona for many years'

Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic has revealed that he "would like to stay in Barcelona for many years".

The 26-year-old joined Barca from Sevilla last summer and despite a bright start, had a difficult couple of months either side of Christmas.

The midfielder has been in fine form over the last couple of weeks, however, and he has vowed to continue improving.

"God willing, I would like to stay in Barcelona for many years", Rakitic told Sportske Novosti. "Really, it's quite easy to adapt to Barcelona. The club has its style and ideas since many years, not a lot of things have changed.

"I decided that this was what I wanted more than anything, that I want to take this path, and I'm convinced that I can still give more."

In January, Rakitic was linked with a move to the Premier League.