Ivan Rakitic, alongside Monchi and José Castro

RAKITIC: "I'M JOINING TO HELP THE TEAM TO TRY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP"

03/09/2020
Words such as hard work, excitement and helping were repeated often by the Croatian, who says he still has a lot of football to play and is already thinking about the UEFA Super Cup

Ivan Rakitic was back at the press room at the training ground after confirming his return to Nervión. The Croatian began by speaking about how his signing came about: "When we saw that there was that possibility, we were concrete, quick and sincere. Everything went well, I feel very proud and I'm keen to start and get dressed to work on the pitch. I am very happy ". He also spoke about his chat with Lopetegui: "We spoke on the phone, I think we'll have more time for details in the next few days. He's welcomed me and it was pleasant to talk to him, but I hope to see him in the next few days and set everything else straight. I'm joining like everyone else, to work hard, to fight, to give my all and be available for Lopetegui". 

There is a lot of talk about if Sevilla can take another step, regarding their league ambitions: "Hopefully, and being able to meet that expectation. We have to keep taking steps, above all I'm joining to help the team and the club to try to take the next step, but we'll do it with humility, by preparing ourselves well because we're starting off with a big match, and it's the first title. I have to enter the dressing room well, get along with my teammates and with the Mister and hopefully it can be a great season, by improving the numbers from last year. We want to continue growing as we have done in recent years". 

Rakitic left as a Europa League winner, and he is joining the reigning Europa League champions: "It's a very positive time. As well as another trophy, the team has earned a lot of respect in LaLiga and in Europe because of their style of play. The title was no fluke, I congratulate everyone. I want to contribute with hard work, and get involved so that the team gets better and, if we can improve on last year, even better. I want to have everyone's confidence and I'm convinced we'll all enjoy it so much. I say to the fans that I'm already focused on working hard and returning all the confidence that everyone's placed in me". 

"I'm convinced we'll all enjoy it so much"

He arrives from Barcelona after winning multiple trophies, but he wants more: "I've won many trophies but I want my teammates to win them too. I'm excited to do it again here and I'm convinced we will take the next step. We'll work hard, that's what we're here for, since the first day. Going at 100%, growing together in a very tough league, but with ambition and a little bit of luck, we'll do it". 

The Croatian believes it was the ideal moment to return, but not just for him: "I've had six incredible years at Barcelona. I'm very grateful and it's not just important that it was the right time for me, but also the club. I think it's the perfect time, I think I have my best years ahead of me and I'm very excited. It was the right moment for both parties and now we have to look forward, work hard and turn excitement into great results". 

"It was the right moment for both parties"

In addition, he assured us that he still has his best form ahead of him: "I hope that the one who returns is even better. I've been lucky to have played in big matches and have achieved many titles, even being runners-up in the World Cup with my country. I'm more mature, more confident, and I've got a lot of football left to play. I'm sure that, in terms of rating, the Ivan that's joining is better than the last one".

The next match is against Bayern, a team Rakitic recently faced: "With all respect to Bayern, because it will be a very tough game, I'm sure they know all about Sevilla FC's strength. We'll prepare in the best possible way because there's a very important title at stake. I want to compete well and show them that we're a great team. I don't know if it's revenge or not, but what I want is to win. It will be my 150th match for the club and a lot of nice things will come together". 

"I'm more mature, more confident, and I've got a lot of football left to play"

To finish, he acknowleged that he had not decided on a shirt number: "I want to respect the order of my teammates. We'll talk about the number, but it would be very special if I could link up with José Antonio. The number 11 is also special for me here, but right now it's the least of my worries".