Valverde’s treatment almost caused Rakitic to leave Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde wasn’t treating Ivan Rakitic the way he wanted and after Sunday’s win over Levante with 2-0, the Croatian international finally burst.

Rakitic was linked to Juventus and Inter for a transfer in January, along with Manchester United and was offered a deal by Paris Saint-Germain too – and he thought he could leave then.

“I thought about leaving in the January window,” Rakitic, who played the entire game, said post-match.

“The treatment of [former head coach Ernesto] Valverde’s staff wasn’t the best.

“I’ve been through some bad times, but it’s now in the past,” the midfielder said after helping Barça beat Levante 2-1 on Sunday. 

“I can say very clearly that things have happened that I have not liked. I have not deserved some of the behaviour (towards me).”  

With regards to a possible exit last month, the Croatian international was also very clear, showing his anger at a situation which has not sat well with him. 

“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.”

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

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