?Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakiti? has compared his situation in Catalonia this season to a child having their toys taken away from them, admitting he’s “sad” over the lack of playing time he’s been getting.
The Croatia international has made ten appearances across all competitions this season, but Rakiti? has only started one match and is averaging 25 minutes in each appearance so far.
The 31-year-old appears to be surplus to requirements at Camp Nou, already being linked with a move away from Barcelona in January, but Rakiti? insists he’s still good enough to offer the club a long-term option in midfield.
“How does my little girl feel when her toy is taken away?” Rakiti? told Movistar’s ‘Universo Valdano’ (via Marca). “Sad. I feel the same way. They have taken the ball away from me – I feel sad.
“I understand and respect the decisions of the coach, a club or whatever. I have given so much in these five years that I have been at Barcelona and I want to continue enjoying [myself here].
“I’m 31, not 38, and I feel like I’m at my best.”
Rakiti? has been one of Barcelona’s most consistent players since his arrival from Sevilla in 2014, going on to make 278 appearances across all competitions – making him the club’s fifth most-capped foreigner of all time.
Italian side Inter have been linked with a move for Rakiti? this season, while city rivals Milan and Serie A champions Juventus have also been mentioned as potential destinations for the Croatia international in the January transfer window.
Any talk of a move away from Barcelona will have to be put on ice for the time being, however, as Rakiti? has been forced to withdraw from international duty through injury.
The club have confirmed that the midfielder is suffering with an injury in his left Achilles tendon, although Barcelona haven’t confirmed when he is expected to return to full fitness.
Marca adds Rakiti? underwent a special training programme on Tuesday to help boost his initial recovery.
For more from Ben Carter, follow him on Twitter!
Let’