Ivan Rakitic spoke about his ex-club FC Schalke 04 and raved about interim coach Mike Büskens. The 34-year-old midfielder could even imagine a comeback at S04.
From the summer of 2007 to early 2011, Ivan Rakitic was under contract with FC Schalke 04. During this time, the Croatian not only played his way into the hearts of the fans, the club itself also left a deep imprint on him.
“My heart is not just a bit royal blue, but a lot. It’s so nice that Schalke can play in the first division again,” said Rakitic on “Sport1”.
He was “happy and proud of the boys that they did it,” he sent greetings to Gelsenkirchen and thought back to the decisive game in the promotion race: “The fans showed against St. Pauli how much they love Schalke. What there went off was pure goosebumps.”
The togetherness that prevailed reminded the 34-year-old of his time at S04. “That’s Gelsenkirchen, that’s Schalke. With all due respect to the other clubs, but Schalke absolutely deserves promotion,” emphasized the current Sevilla FC professional.
Rakitic praises Schalke’s interim coach Büskens
Promotion coach Mike Büskens did a “huge job”. “His love for S04 and football is incredible. He’s a great guy and a great worker. You always want him in your team,” Rakitic explained.
It is quite possible that Rakitic himself will even be part of the Schalke team at some point. If it is up to the former Croatia international, whose contract in Seville has two years left, a return is certainly an issue.
“I can imagine everything. I’m not thinking about it too much yet. I want to keep playing as long as my head and body allow. The Bundesliga wouldn’t be out of the question. I’m always open to everything,” said Rakitic, adding meaningfully : “As my return to Sevilla showed, I’m always very involved when it comes to my former clubs. I feel more than other clubs.”
