Ivan Rakitic is relieved to open his Barcelona account, netting against Levante, revealing his new teammates had started to tease him about it.
Rakitic has played all four of Barca’s League games and scored the second goal of a 5-0 win on Sunday night at Ciutat de Valencia.
Speaking to reporters after the match, he downplayed any interest in the lead Barca have established over Real and Atletico Madrid, which now stands at six and four points respectively.
“We don’t look at other teams. We care about what we do and we’re on the right track,” the Croatia midfielder said, according to Mundo Deportivo.
“This is a very complicated place to play. It was important we got the second goal, it meant we could relax, and after [Lukas Vyntra’s] red card it was easier.
“Thank God the goal went in! They’d begun to needle me in the locker room.
“It’s important we push on. We know we have to keep fighting and fighting for everything.
“The important thing for me is to help the team. I am grateful for every minute I play. I’ll do my best.”
