- Lionel Messi has been branded a betrayer by his Barcelona teammate Ivan Rakitic
- The Argentine is said to be plotting the Croat's departure from the club this summer
- Rakitic joined Barca from Spanish League side Sevilla in 2014 and has won one Champions league among other titles
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has reportedly referred to Lionel Messi as a betrayer as his future remain uncertain at the club.
The Croatian has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou this summer following the Catalans disappointing ouster from this season Champions League championship.
Rakitic scored five goals and eight assists in all competitions for coach Ernesto Valverde's side but that might not be enough to keep him at the club beyond this summer.
The 31-year-old joined Barca from Sevilla in 2014, and could bring his five year reign at the Catalan club to an end.
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According to Daily Star, both Manchester United and Inter Milan are interested in signing the 2018 World Cup silver medal winner.
Meanwhile, reports from Spanish publication Dario GOL, claims Rakitic's departure from the club could be because of Messi.
The 31-year-old was believed to have told his countryman Luka Modric that Barca would be in a much better state if Messi stopped his endless nose poking.
Messi is believed to have a big say in what players the club sign as well as the ones to be sold at a particular period. He also gives advice on team selection.
Valverde is expected to freshen up his squad with new faces this summer with the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Matthijs de Ligt linked with big money moves.
Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be the first player to arrive Camp Nou this during the transfer window period.
And Rakitic believes that Messi forced the club to sign the 22-year-old and wants him to play regularly next season in his position.
He has however told Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo that he is not aware where the information emanated from: “I cannot explain where this information comes from.
“I have great respect for all the teams, and Inter is a very important club that I faced this year in the Champions League.
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“Some of my national team team-mates play for them, but I am right now where I want to be.
“If they are thinking of me, it is because my performances are positive, but I am happy at Barcelona. My family is also very well and I have no other thoughts.”
Rakitic should be in action for Barcelona when they take on Valencia in the Copa Del Rey final this weekend.
The Croatian has won one Champions League, four La Liga and other titles since he joined five years back.
He could increase his trophy tally at the end of the match this weekend as they hope to make up for their UCL ouster.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Barcelona have concluded plans to sell Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic once Frankie De Jong arrives this summer.
The 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to join Manchester United, but Mundo Deportivo claims the attacker has been a target for Inter Milan.
SunSport reports that the Catalans spent £70 million to acquire the services of the Ajax youngster in January, but will join his new teammate at the end of this season.
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Source: Legit Newspaper