Barcelona player says he expects pay rise, has spoken to Bartomeu and wants reply

Ivan Rakitic’s current deal at Barcelona runs down in 2021 and has a release clause of €125m, which signed in March 2017.

The 30-year-old featured regularly under the Catalan club’s former manager, Luis Enrique and has continued to retain his place even after Ernesto Valverde took charge at Camp Nou last summer.

He has also been a vital figure alongside Real Madrid star Luka Modric in Croatia’s midfield as the two played a key role in helping their country reach the final of the 2018 World Cup.

The former Sevilla man will be 33 by the time his contract expires with the La Liga winners, but that hasn’t stopped him from wanting a new contract with improved wages.

Rakitic was promoting the video game ‘Destiny 2: Los Renegados’ and during the event, Mundo Deportivo caught up with the player for an interview, in which he was also asked about his contract situation at the club.

“I already have a contract here that is valid for a few more years. Hopefully, we can extend it. I have a lot of desire. I want to enjoy every training and every game and show that they can have confidence in me,” he explained. 

When asked if he expects a pay rise and whether he has called Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, the midfielder said: “Yes, and I hope he calls me again soon.”