Rakitic says he thought about leaving Barcelona in January

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The midfielder says ‘things have happened that I have not liked’

Ivan Rakitic said after Sunday’s win over Levante that he thought about leaving Barcelona in the January transfer window because he was not happy with the way he was being treated at the club.

The Croatia international was dropped by previous manager Ernesto Valverde at the start of the season but managed to force his way back into the starting XI before Christmas.

New boss Quique Setien handed Rakitic a start against Levante on Sunday, and the midfielder admitted afterwards he has been having a tough season at the Camp Nou.

“I’ve been through some bad times, but it’s now in the past. I can say very clearly that things have happened that I have not liked. I have not deserved some of the behaviour

”You (the media) also know how things are, but it’s not the moment to open this issue again, but of course I have planned to leave because it’s been a complicated time.

“Now I want to turn the page and work hard to help the team in the decisive moment of the season.”

Source | Sport

Rakitic’s future has been the subject of speculation for a while now, and those rumors are likely to continue. His contract expires in summer 2021 and an extension does not appear to be forthcoming.

Source: barcablaugranes.com