Ivan Rakitic says Barcelona have ‘100 per cent respect’ for Champions League final opponents Juventus.
The Catalans are viewed by many as being favourites for the match, but the Croatian international doesn’t see it that way.
“This is my first Champions League final,” Rakitic told reporters at the club’s media day.
“I’m excited, because it could be a very special day. We have to win.
Ivan Rakitic says Barcelona have ‘100 per cent respect’ for Champions League final opponents Juventus.
The Catalans are viewed by many as being favourites for the match, but the Croatian international doesn’t see it that way.
“This is my first Champions League final,” Rakitic told reporters at the club’s media day.
“I’m excited, because it could be a very special day. We have to win.
“Are we favourites? We don’t think that way, we have 100 per cent respect for Juventus. We know we have to play the best game possible.
“Juve are very strong all over the pitch, they’re very competitive, not to mention their quality.
“We have to play with the maximum intensity to win.”