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What is the story?
Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic remarked that he would love to play with French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann should he completed his rumoured move to the Nou Camp. In an interview given to Mundo Deportivo, the Croatian deep-lying playmaker heaped praise on the former Atletico star, commenting that "he is a top level player, the best in the world, and of course I would love to play (with him) in my team."
In case you didn’t know…
28-year-old Antoine Griezmann has been a talismanic figure for Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid since he joined the club from Real Sociedad in 2014. He has been Atleti's prominent scorer in each of the past 5 seasons, leading the club to title glory in the 2017-18 UEFA Europe League and the 2018 UEFA Super Cup.
Adding further gloss to a fantastic 2018 calendar year, the dimunitive attacker was one of France's best players as the Les Bleus defeated Ivan Rakitic's Croatia to lift their second FIFA World Cup title. Griezmann was awarded the Bronze Ball as the tournament's third best player, behind Croatia's Luka Modric and Belgium's Eden Hazard.
He also picked up the Silver Boot as the tournament's second top goalscorer, behind Harry Kane of England. He had announced last week over Twitter that he would be leaving Atletico at the end of the season and it is widely believed that his next destination will be Barcelona.
Barcelona are yet to trigger the €125 million (£110m) release clause in Griezmann's contract with Atletico but chances are high with manager Ernesto Valverde also publically revealing that he is an admirer of the Frenchman.
The heart of the matter
Rakitic opened up about his experience facing Griezmann and his disappointment in losting out to France in the World Cup final
"“I like him a lot. leaving aside last summer I when he ruined my dream [of winning the World Cup]. But he is a top level player, the best in the world, and of course I would love to play (with him) in my team,” Rakitic said “He is a great professional who has won almost everything and that surely can add to any team.”
The Croatian midfielder also remarked that Griezmann would be welcomed at Barcelona despite turning down a move to the Nou Camp last season.
"You have to congratulate him for it because he showed his love and dedication to his club. It was not a decision against Barca or anyone, it was in favour of Atletico,” added Rakitic. “I congratulate him for that decision and now if I saw him here I would shake his hand and tell him that I respect him because it is not easy to make that decision, to stay then and to leave this year. All good players are welcome to us.”
What’s Next?
Rakitic and Barcelona will face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final as they set to complete a second successive domestic double, having already secured their 8th La Liga title of the last 11 seasons.
