Premier League Rumors: Barcelona Refutes Speculations Of Rakitic Leaving

The football world is at a standstill right now, but team issues are still in motion. And one player who made headlines recently is Ivan Rakitic, who has not exactly had a great stay with Barcelona. The Croatian is nearing the final year of his contract and several teams are interested in taking him in.

However, Catalan manager Quique Setien claimed that Rakitic has not asked to leave Barcelona and is unaware of the 32-year-old's desire to leave the team. Though the Croatian has been used sparingly, Setien says he is pleased with the performance of the midfielder.

"I have no information that Rakitic wants to leave the club and he has no transmitted that to me. And with me he has played a lot and can continue doing it," Setien said to El Larguero. "I am happy with his performance and have nothing to say. We have to wait to see what happens and if he wants to leave or not. And if I have to say it, the time will come."

In a previous post, it was mentioned how Rakitic has grown tired of speculations on what the future holds for him. He made it clear that his future will depend entirely on him and he wants to be on a team where he will be valued.

"I will decide my future. I want to be where I am valued. If it is here, delighted, and if not, it will be where I decide," Rakitic said.

In case he does officially leave, Rakitic is not short of suitors. There are teams like Manchester United, Juventus, Inter and Paris Saint-Germain waiting in the wings. But if ever he does leave, it appears that there is already one team in mind for Rakitic - his former team Sevilla.

The reason for his preference is simple. He was pretty successful with Sevilla, one that included a European League title during the 2013-14 season. He said in jest that he is only a call away if his former team wants him back.

For now, Rakitic is among the multitude of players holed up at home with football action on hold. He is trying to stay in shape if the season resumes. Beyond that, only Rakitic knows how the next chapter will be written.