Barcelona ace Ivan Rakitic open to playing in Serie A

Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic has said that he welcomes the opportunity to play alongside Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Croatian also called the Portuguese one of the best in the history while hailing his current teammate Lionel Messi as the best of this era.

'Of course, I would [want to play with him]. He is also one of the greatest players in history, Rakitic replied when he was asked about playing with Ronaldo.

'You enjoy watching him play and he's doing well at Juventus.'

Furthermore, he heaped praise on the Argentine skipper Messi, eventually calling him as the best of all time.

'It's amazing to play with him - he's special. There have been great players in every era, but I'm sure he's been the best in the last 15 years,'

In my opinion, I think he's the best of all time. Being with him for six years has been incredible.'

Rakitic was heavily linked with an exit in the January transfer window, while Manchester United and PSG looked as his potential suitors.

The 31-year-old also expressed his discontent with Barca’s stance with his contract talks – which he cited as the key reason to opt out for a move away from Spain.

The ex-Schalke star hasn’t ruled out the chance of returning to Sevilla, with Atletico Madrid also keeping close tabs on him.