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Ivan Rakitic is one of the friends that Neymar did during the Barcelona era. The midfielder from Croatia followed Brazil's matches at the World Cup and saw the evolution of the former teammate, who was arrested for three months due to an injury to the right ankle. Rakitic defended Neymar from criticism in the first two World Cup games against Switzerland and Costa Rica due to his poor performances and bad behavior.
– Neymar is one of my favorite players in the world, I still want him on my team. He has a particular way of playing, which may not please everyone. But he has his own aggressive and aggressive style of play. It is one of the best in the world. He improved during the World Cup, thinking less about the injuries he suffered. We will all enjoy his excellent football throughout the World Cup, "Rakitic said at a press conference Friday in Roschino.
Rakitic and Neymar were partners in Barcelona for three seasons (2014 / 2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017) .Together they won two championship titles of Spain, three of the King's Cup, one of the Champions League, one of the Super Cup of the UEFA and one of the World Cup of Clubs.
Rakitic and Neymar shine for Barcelona (Photo: AP)
Rakitic is one of the holders of the Croatia have been spared most of the game against Iceland, and will start Sunday's match against Denmark, which is valid for the round of 16. The 2018 World Cup could be the last chance for some important names in the selection, such as Rakitic, Modric and Mandzukic, to conquer a relevant title.
– I do not know if this is the last competition of this generation, but we want to continue playing the same way, with a good atmosphere. Our strength has been the collective spirit. We want to continue on this path. The next match is against Denmark, let's go step by step. But if we reach the final and win the World Cup title, we can retire happily from the national team, "he joked.
Check out other excerpts from the press conference of Rakitic
Forces of Denmark and Eriksen
– Denmark is a very serious team, it is no coincidence that they are with this invincibility.They are very confident, they know how to stop the opponent, give little chances to score.They can be very dangerous in attack, they are fast.Eriksen is one of the best "game makers" in the world, he played a lot at Tottenham They deserve to be here and we have to do everything to try to stop them.
Prosinecki Comment on Modric
– Says he said, Modric is Croatia's best player, so It's true.Nobody knows football more than he does.Love to agree.Modric is the Croatia's best player, he is a leader and he trusts him. It's an honor to play against him, in the matches between Barcelona and Real, and it's even better to play with him, in our selection. I hope to enjoy a little more during this World Cup.
Comparison with the 1998 generation
– We know that the 1998 team was excellent, these are our idols. They showed the way for future generations. But we must leave it in the past. Our coach Zlatko Dalic was in this team and can tell us more details. But we have to write our own story in this competition. God willing, we will repeat their feat or do even better. We want to show the world how we are fighting for Croatia. Let's hope that in 20 years, people will be able to talk about us in the same way.
Comparison between Modric and Iniesta
– It is difficult to compare them. It seems that they come from other planets, to play here with us mortals. They are two of the best in position in history. It has been an honor to play with Iniesta in recent years and with Modric in the national team. If I created a football team, I would put them both. Thank God for playing with them. I hope to play with Modric a little more. Unfortunately, with Iniesta, it will not be possible. Iniesta is a great friend to me and Modric is my big brother.
Spain's standings in the quarterfinals
– I was even talking to my wife … Looks like we are playing against Spain in all major tournaments. I think they're the biggest favorites of the World Cup title, above all else. Their confidence is at a higher level than the rest. I wish them all the best, but I hope that the quarterfinals are the last step for them. I think they're a bit tired, they can rest a bit and let Croatia go (laughs). I have a lot of friends there. Denmark will be a big challenge before, but I'm waiting to face the Spanish in the quarterfinals.
