Ivan Rakitic arrives back early in Barcelona after Croatia duty

Ivan Rakitic arrives back early in Barcelona after Croatia duty

The Croatia midfielder was let go before his country's second game, a friendly against Northern Ireland, and returned to Catalunya

Ivan Rakitic is back in Barcelona. The Croatian central-midfielder played for his country against Iceland in a World Cup 2018 qualifier then came back home.

Rakitic has been freed ahead of Croatia's friendly against Northern Ireland on Tuesday in Belfast, a decision which Barcelona did not know was going to be taken. So Luis Enrique will be pleased to have his midfielder bak in the squad to prepare for the next game, against Malaga on Saturday.

Rakitic's surprise return was announced by the player on Instagram. "Come on, on the way home already, how nice to have my Rivella, my Swiss drink. Great game yesterday. Come on Croatia!" he wrote, along with a picture of himself with his beloved drink.

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