Rakitic: I have the greatest respect for Messi and want to say thank you for the time we spent together

Hupu October 31st News Croatian legendary star Rakitic recently accepted an interview with the "TheRestIsFootballLaLiga" program. During this period, he reviewed his career, talked about Messi, and talked about Modric. The following is the second part of his exclusive interview.

You have played more than 300 games with Messi and we now see that he has such leadership. Has he always been a leader on the field and in the dressing room?

First of all, I want to congratulate Messi on signing a new contract, I think it's great for football, I think it doesn't matter whether you are a Messi or Miami fan. It's great to enjoy Messi for a few more years, so congratulations to Beckham and everyone at Miami, that's great. I think he's the one who changes the game, he's the one who understands football in a different way. I think what he is doing in MLS may not be in the top league, but he can do it differently. He is the only one in the world who can do this. It was great to play more than 300 games with Messi. I also have to thank him for the way he treated me over the years. I can't say we are good friends because I don't message him every day, but of course, I have the utmost respect for him and I just want to say thank you for all the time we spent together.

What is Messi like off the court?

I think he is a silent leader. He may not speak up and take the lead like Harvey. I think you can only see in his eyes that he is ready. I have said many times that a small gesture from Messi means a lot to all of us. He signaled like this, this is the guy, he can change the situation. I think we can see now in Miami how he took Miami from last place to first place, the way he is now, that's Messi.

It’s unbelievable that he is still playing, and so is your good friend Modric. He is no longer in Madrid, but in Milan. How would you describe him? I remember you saying that when you play with him you don't even have to look up, it's telepathy. I think that's it. We showed that at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. A lot of people still don't understand what it means that we have Modric because we are a country of only close to 4 million people and we have one of the best midfielders in the history of football, but we are each in El Clasico. When we play together on the national team, sometimes less is more, so we don't need to talk. I knew he would be on the left, next to me, or in front of me, or wherever. I think against the strongest national teams we have a better midfield. Play against England, Spain, Italy or any other team and say, yes, but in midfield we are stronger. It’s crazy that Modric is still enjoying football to this day in Milan. I just want to tell everyone at Milan that they must seize this great opportunity because Modric is unique.

You mentioned El Clasico, you have had some incredible moments in El Clasico over the years, if you could only pick one moment, what would it be and why?

This is difficult because there are really many, many things. For me personally, I think it was when I scored the winning goal at the Bernabeu. This goal was very important for us and decided the outcome of the game, but I feel like I really had a lot of great moments in El Clasico because it was the game we all wanted to play. We all want to be a part of it.

What is it like to participate in El Clasico? Is it a different feeling?

A little nervous? Yes, that's what our game is about. We try to say that every game is important, every game is the same, every game is three points, but El Clasico is just different. It was what it was, and the whole world was watching that game. We all strive to be a part of it. We know it's different. As a professional, you try to prepare for every game the same way, but you know when El Clasico week comes around, those last little details will be a little different, a little more important. If you could go to bed at 10 o'clock instead of 11 o'clock, you would try to go to bed at 10 o'clock.

Tiny details

Yeah, all those tiny details, it's a big fight, I guess, it's not just three points because you know you can win a lot, but you can also lose a lot. A lot of times, these games, when you win, you get into a good atmosphere, a winning mood, but you also know the other side, when you might lose, then you know the next few weeks might be a little tough. I think it's a big moment for both teams.

The feeling of scoring in El Clasico must be incredible, but what about the feeling of scoring in the Champions League final?

It's great, and yeah, I'm very proud of everything I've been able to do in my career. These moments are ultimately special because these are life-long moments. So that was only 10 years ago, but we'll be talking about it again in 10, 15 and 20 years.

Does it feel like 10 years ago? Does it feel like yesterday?

I just heard about it a few days ago, some friends told me, you know, that was 10 years ago.

It's been a long time

Yes, this is how time flies, time flies so fast. It was an unforgettable moment for me.