Ivan Rakitic snubbed Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus to stay at Barcelona, according to reports in Spain
The Croatian midfielder has revealed he turned down a move away from the Nou Camp - and hopes to sign a new deal
IVAN RAKITIC ignored interest from Manchester United and Chelsea to pledge his future to Barcelona.
The Croatian midfielder was the subject of tentative interest from the Premier League clubs, and Italian outfit Juventus are also believed to have been sniffing around.
But the 28-year-old has spoken of his desire to remain at the Nou Camp, and sign an improved contract, according to Mundo Deportivo, who led with the headline 'Only Barca.'
"Ivan said he was not interested in offers from Juventus, Manchester United and Chelsea and Barcelona will offer him a new contract," reports.
Rakitic signed a five-year contract with Barca in July 2014, joining from Sevilla where he was captain.
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He has gone on to play 118 times for the Catalan club, scoring 18 goals and registering 16 assists.
The midfielder grabbed the only goal of the game as Barcelona triumphed 1-0 away at Athletic Bilbao in their latest La Liga game.
That followed an opening day 6-2 home win against Real Betis.
Rakitic is now hoping to return to the Croatia squad in time for their opening World Cup Qualifying match against Turkey on September 5.