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Amid Transfer Rumors, Ivan Rakitić Shows Barcelona Boss Luis Enrique Love

The Croatian is rumored to have a bad relationship with Lucho, but new quotes contradict this.

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Ivan Rakitić hasn’t been playing as much lately as he’s used to, and there were stories in the press that he was on his way out amid a deteriorating relationship with coach Luis Enrique.

But his latest statements contradict at least the latter part of that rumor. In an interview with France Football, the midfielder said: "Luis Enrique has helped me enormously. He gave me confidence straight away, as did my teammates, which enabled me to work calmly.”

Rakitić went further: "it's the 'Mister' who asked the club to sign me. If I had to throw myself off a bridge for Luis Enrique, I'd do it without hesitation."

Wow. A lot of loyalty from a guy who supposedly hates him.

They said Lucho doesn’t talk to his players much, but Rakitić countered: "with a look or a smile, Luis Enrique gives you the confidence necessary to succeed"

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