Ivan Rakitic moved from Sevilla to Barcelona back in 2014, and spent six years at the club before returning to Sevilla in 2020.

The Croatian was a top class player during his time at Barcelona, and said he made sure Xavi wasn’t missed after his departure.

Rakitic featured against Barcelona on Friday – a game the Blaugrana won 1-0.

Speaking after the game, Rakitic hailed old friend and teammate Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and called him ‘friend for life’

“Ter Stegen and I shared eight years together,” Ivan Rakitic revealed after Sevilla lost to Barcelona 1-0.

“There is constant communication between our families. He is a friend for life.”