Ivan Rakitic: 'I want to stay at Barcelona'

Midfielder Ivan Rakitic has branded Barcelona the "perfect" club for him, playing down suggestions that he could leave the Spanish champions in this summer's transfer window.

Rakitic was linked with a move away from Camp Nou last summer off the back of helping Croatia reach the 2018 World Cup final.

A number of Premier League clubs and Inter Milan are said to be closely monitoring developments in Catalonia, with Rakitic's current deal due to expire in the summer of 2021.

However, the 30-year-old has insisted that he is "happy" at Barca and is not looking for an exit.

"I like living in Spain. Unfortunately, I can't ask for another passport because I already have two, otherwise I'd also ask for a Spanish one because I'm fine here and I'm happy," DAZN quotes Rakitic as saying.

"My family are happy here too and my daughters are doing well in Barcelona because we're close to Seville. Therefore, staying here is perfect for me."

Rakitic has scored four times and registered seven assists in 38 appearances for Barca this season.