Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has admitted that he holds Sevilla dear to his heart but is still eyeing a win on his first return to the Sanchez Pizjuan.
The Croatia international enjoyed a successful three-and-a-half years with the Andalucians, winning the Europa League in his final season, before joining La Blaugrana in a €20m deal last summer.
"I have great memories of my time at the club and carry the city [of Seville] in my heart. It’ll be a beautiful match,” he told Barca’s official website.
“I just want to focus on my football and have a good game. We have eight games left and this win would be very important.
“Any team who’s played at the Pizjuan know how complicated this venue is, with a crowd who apply huge pressure on visitors.
“But it was also very difficult for Sevilla to play against Barca. They always gave us a hard time.
“On the pitch, I’ll do my best to help my teammates. God wants us to have a great game and I always want to win in everything I do, whether it be in training or while playing cards with my wife!”
