Rakitic bids emotional farewell to Sevilla

Madrid, July 1 (IANS/EFE) Croatian footballer Ivan Rakitic has said he is not joining FC Barcelona to replace Cesc Fabregas or Xavi.

"I'm going to be Ivan Rakitic, do the best possible and always be true to myself. I'm not going there to replace anybody," the Croatian said on leaving Sevilla, reports EFE.

"I never thought it would be this painful to talk. I had something prepared but I'd prefer to say what comes straight from my heart," Rakitic struggled say as he tried to stop his tears while reading his statement at the time of bidding farewell to Sevilla's fans Monday.

Rakitic could not hold back his tears as he watched a video of his best moments with the club.

Regarding his departure to Barcelona, Rakitic said, "I've decided to make the move for my career and to be able to fight for more titles. Now the moment has come but I am only thinking in footballing terms."

--IANS/EFE

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