Ivan Rakitic sends heartfelt message to Barcelona as Nou Camp overhaul begins

Ivan Rakitic has reflected on a “wonderful page in his career” after sealing a return to Sevilla from Barcelona.

The Croatian moved from the La Liga side to the Nou Camp in 2014 and has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell.

He won the treble in his first year, scoring the opener in the Champions League Final against Juventus in Berlin.

Since then he’s added a further three La Liga titles and three Copa del Reys.

But last term he fell down the pecking order following the arrival of Frenkie De Jong and is the first major name to leave Barcelona ahead of what is expected to be a mass overhaul.

Nevertheless he has spoken highly of his time at the club in a post on Twitter.

He said: “I arrived at @FCBarcelona 6 years ago. Today, I am turning a wonderful page in my career. It has been an honor to wear this jersey.

“I would like to thank everyone without exception. My family, my teammates, the coaches, the staff, the club employees and the fans. See you soon.”

Several high profile stars could follow Rakitic out of the Nou Camp with Luis Suarez a potential casualty under Ronald Koeman.

Lionel Messi could be another, although his exit would be very much his own choice.

The Argentine has told the club he wants to seek pastures new following a poor season.

But ahead of what could be a ground breaking move Rakitic has maintained that Barcelona should always be a player’s first choice.

“The first option and the best option for all players is always Barca,” he told reporters. “Then, each player has to make their decision.

“For me, the first option would always be to be at Barca.

“Every player has to do his own analysis and I believed it was my moment. What Messi and other players are going to do, I don’t know, you’d have to ask them.”