Ivan Rakitic has given an insight into life as a Barcelona player and a teammate of Luis Suarez, who he says has vowed to be on best behaviour.
Suarez is banned until the end of October after biting Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup, the third biting incident of his career.
Speaking while on international duty with Croatia, Rakitic, who joined Barca from Sevilla this summer, explained how the day starts as a Barca player.
“There are always hundreds of people at the training ground,” he said, according to Sport.
“You have to get there half-an-hour early because I know I’ll spend 20 minutes taking pictures with fans.
“I enjoy every moment. Every day I go to training with a smile on my face knowing that I’m with the best players in the world.”
Regarding Suarez, Rakitic suggested that the public perception of the Uruguay forward is wide of the mark.
“Suarez is very calm, gentle and quiet,” he said of the former Liverpool player.
“He’s a nice person and has our full support. He’s told us that what happened at the World Cup won’t happen again.
“He’s apologised and vowed it won’t happen.”
