RAKITIC: "THE WIN AND THE GOAL GIVE ME A LOT OF CONFIDENCE TO GO INTO THE SEASON IN THE BEST WAY"

15/09/2020

The midfielder scored on his second debut for the club, in the comeback win over Levante

Ivan Rakitic spoke to the media on Tuesday in San Pedro del Pinatar after the first pre-season friendly, a 3-2 comeback win against Levante UD. Firstly, the Croatian wanted to dedicate his goal, the winner, to both his family, who are happy after his return to Nervión, and to José Antonio Reyes: "I think above all, firstly I'll dedicate the goal to my family, who are with us all the time and they were very keen to see me in this shirt. For me, wearing Reyes's number is special, which I'm sure he will be pleased about".

The midfielder also spoke about the strength that the side has in order to keep working hard during this pre-season training camp, and how they're looking forward to competitive action: "We're working very hard, and trying to prepare ourselves well and get better every day. Doing it as I did today, with a win and a goal, gives me a lot of confidence to go into the season in the best way possible".

"I want to convey confidence and experience, and keep working hard together"

Regarding his settling in, after arriving at a 'new' Sevilla FC, he said that he was grateful for the welcome, and wants to continue conveying positive qualities to the group: "I'm grateful to everyone for the treatment since the first day, they've welcomed me spectacularly. I feel like another player working with them, I want to convey confidence and experience, and keep working hard together".

Rakitic finished by again talking about the hard work that they're doing so they can perform in the best condition possible: "We're working very hard, that's also needed. The season will then be very long, we're getting to know the coaching staff's dynamic, bit by bit. Now, we'll enjoy it and keep getting ready".