Rakitic decides: He won't leave Barcelona in January Barcelona Confident of playing time

Ivan Rakitic has had many doubts concerning his stay at Barcelona, but he has decided to remain at the club, at least until the end of the season.

The Croatian was dropped to the bench in the first stretch of the campaign and had seriously considered the option of departing in January.

However, in recent weeks he has started four times in a row against Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Real Mallorca and Inter.

Rakitic has produced some extraordinary performances in the aforementioned games and everything indicates that he is considered as a starter once again by coach Ernesto Valverde.

The former Sevilla player has made clear that he has always been willing to continue at Barcelona, despite interest from elite European clubs such as Inter, Juventus and Manchester United.

He came relatively close to departing the Blaugrana during the summer, but he remained firm in his decision.

In Barcelona's first few games this season, he didn't even come off the bench, as he turned from a vital cog in the midfield, into a second-choice player.

Following the end of the summer transfer window, his status in the team didn't change drastically and his intention was to search for a possible exit in January, if he wasn't to be given enough playing time.

However, Valverde has decided to put his faith in Rakitic once again over the last few games and a winter market departure isn't part of the Croatian's plans anymore.