To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Why Ivan Rakitić Should Snub Manchester United And Remain At Barcelona

Why Ivan Rakitić Should Snub Manchester United And Remain At Barcelona

Manchester United have been linked with Ivan Rakitić, but Rivaldo says that he still "has enough football to keep playing for Barcelona."

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Ivan Rakitić should pass up the opportunity to move to Manchester United and stay at Barcelona.

That's according to former Barça star and Brazilian legend Rivaldo, who believes that the 31-year-old Croatian attacking midfielder has much more to offer at the Camp Nou.

"There are rumours circulating about Ivan Rakitić possibly going to Manchester United but, while United is a big club with great tradition, I think the Croatian still has enough football to keep playing for Barcelona, as he is a great player," he told Betfair.

"United are passing through a bad moment, but their tradition is huge and any big player would like to play for them at Old Trafford.

"Now, it's time for them to refocus and start preparing for the new season.

"I believe they'll always be one of the best teams in the world.

PA

"They continue to be financially healthy, so they should have tools to recruit big players soon."

The Croatia international has been linked with an exit from the Spanish club and United and Inter Milan are interested in landing him.

With Barcelona expected to overhaul their squad after their humiliating Champions League exit and defeat in the Copa del Rey, Rakitić could feel that it's the right time to leave the club.

After all, Frenkie de Jong signed for the club back in January and would offer more competition for Rakitić in the starting XI.

PA

However, Rivaldo also suggested that if he decided to leave the La Liga champions for the Premier League, he would hope that Liverpool or Manchester City come knocking for him.

"Liverpool and Manchester City are the strongest teams in England right now and are both playing excellent football, so if I were playing today and had the chance to go to the Premier League, one of them would probably be my choice," he explained.

"But there are more powerful teams in the Premier League than in any other league. It's the strongest league in the world right now.

PA

"When I was playing for Barcelona, I had some agents trying to transfer me to Manchester United, but I was so happy with the city and the club at Barcelona that I didn't pay much attention to that possibility.

"It wasn't out of disrespect to United, I just didn't want to move at that time. I'm not sure if there was any proposal.

"There were just discussions with agents and rumours, nothing more than that."

Should Rakitić stay at Barcelona?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Rivaldo, Barcelona, Ivan Rakitic, Premier League, Old Trafford, Ernesto Valverde, La Liga, Camp Nou, Ole Gunnar Solskjær