New Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has spoken of his admiration for teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.
Rakitic moved to La Blaugrana from Sevilla and told RAC1 he is looking forward to lining up with the Barca mainstays.
“I admire almost everything about Xavi. He’s a master at everything,” Sport reports the Croatia international as saying.
“Playing against him is very difficult because he knows when to give rhythm and when not to. He’s a player of the highest level and a perfect leader off the field.
“Andres gives you balls no one else does. It’s amazing the change of pace he has. I have to enjoy playing alongside him.”
Rakitic is with Barca in England and said the training sessions have gone well and he is prepared to make sacrifices for his new club.
“I miss my family. But this time is necessary. We’re working hard and you have to push yourself a little,” he conceded.
“The team is training hard. We’re on track.”
