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Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has insisted that midfielder Ivan Rakitic remains a key part of his plans despite his restricted playing time this season.
The Croatian international has been in-and-out of the starting line-up in recent months with Enrique preferring to offer Andre Gomes with an equal chance.
Rakitic had featured heavily for the Catalan giants over the past two seasons, and his exclusion from the Villareal game this month ignited speculation over his future.
Manchester City, managed by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola, have been credited with interest in recent weeks, but Enrique insists that the 28-year-old does have a future at Camp Nou.
"Rakitic is an important player - he has been and he will be so," he told reporters. "I've got nothing to say on renewals. I've nothing to say on mine.
Rakitic, who is currently contracted until 2019, has made just 10 league starts for the Spanish champions this term.
Written by Sri Aswin
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