Rakitić: We [Sevilla] want to take the next step, both in LaLiga and in the Champions League.

Rakitic.[Image: Twitter / @SevillaFC]

Rakitić rejoined Sevilla on Tuesday following a six-year spell with LaLiga giants Barcelona.

Ivan Rakitic is hoping his new side Sevilla can turn into LaLiga title challengers and also compete for the Champions League trophy in the 2020-21 campaign.

The 32-year-old Croatia international re-joined the Andalusian club from Spanish giants Barcelona where he spent six trophy-laden years.

Rakitic signed a four-year deal, with the Europa League holders, who paid an initial €1.5million, while another €9m could be paid on depending on performance-related variables.

Rakitic, who lifted 13 trophies with the Blaugrana, is now focused on helping Sevilla become a force to be reckoned with.

"With all due respect, the sixth [Europa League title] is already ours and we want it like no one else," Rakitic told reporters during his presentation on Wednesday evening as Goal quoted.

"But we want to take the next step, both in LaLiga and in the Champions League. We all know what that means, but we don't want to put more pressure on each other either.

"But we do want to know which direction we want to go. I'm really looking forward to it.

"The situation is different from how I arrived nine years ago, especially because of the situation of the team and the environment.

"I'm in a team that's a champion, and luckily I know what that means. I was able to be the first foreign captain since [Diego] Maradona and this season I want to pass on to my team-mates and my family, which is what they are, that this is still the case.

"There is great potential, they work impressively, with a great coach and coaching staff. From me, you can expect maximum.

"It's not just getting here, I want to help the club, the team-mates, and the fans take the next step. I'm very happy and excited to come home. I'm very grateful also for how it all turned out, which was how we wanted it to be."

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