The Croatia midfielder believes his team-mate can keep playing for decades to come and praised Neymar and coach Luis Enrique

Ivan Rakitic says he has to "thank God" for the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona.

The midfielder joined Barca from Sevilla this summer and has been in awe of the four-time Ballon d'Or winner in training, saying previously that the Argentina captain was "miraculous".

The Croatia star has heaped further praise on him, suggesting he can keep playing for decades to come and thanking God for the chance to be in the same team as him.

"Deco said the other day that Messi could play until he's 60. I say he could play until he is 70, or 80, or until he retires. I have to thank God for allowing me to play alongside him," he told Marca.

Rakitic also spoke highly of team-mate Neymar and coach Luis Enrique.

"I played against [Neymar] at the Brazil World Cup and despite his young age, he can change a game. His skills are amazing.

"As a coach, what you see is what you get [with Luis Enrique], he's a perfectionist and that's a good thing.

The 26-year-old admits his side face a difficult season, admitting Real Madrid and reigning champions Atletico will put good challenges for the title.

"Based on the past few years, it looks as though both Madrid clubs will be in the mix, although there could be the odd surprise. Every game is tough and it's always hard to win games."

He also revealed he had been invited by his former club to see them in action against Real in the Uefa Super Cup on Tuesday night.

"They've invited me to the game in Cardiff. I have nothing against Real Madrid, but I'm a Sevilla fan.

josex sport"s guest writer considers the rise and fall of certain African footballers who failed to make impressive performances in their youth reflect in their ensuing development

Africa, over the years, has produced amazing young football talent. Some of these make it to the big stage and play for years on the highest stage in Europe. The likes of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Samuel Eto'o Fils, and John Obi Mikel all belong to that elite bracket.
African teams have also been impressive during Fifa-organized tournaments at Under-20 and U-17 levels, with several individuals standing out each time. What, though, happens to all those rising stars we see at these tournaments?
Obstructed by hype, poor choices with regard to career moves, injuries, and devious agents, many of these have failed to shine. Below, Goal considers some of the more notable victims:
DOMINIC ADIYIAH - Ghana
The Feyenoord (Ghana) product is one of those who have not yet lived up to expectations. Adiyiah graced our screens with his wonderful positioning and ability to find the net with ease at the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Egypt four years ago. He was without doubt the best player at that tournament and deservedly won the Golden Ball award. Adiyiah also picked up the competition's Golden Boot prize with eight goals. His displays earned him a place in the senior national team and Adiyiah formed part of the Black Stars squad that did the whole of Africa proud at the 2010 Fifa World Cup. However, the promising striker has struggled with his choice of clubs since joining Italian giants AC Milan in the aftermath of his exploits at junior level for Ghana. It is a shame that such fine talent like Adiyiah might just not be able to reach the heights he once seemed so destined for.
MOSTAFA AFROTO - Egypt
Another player who was a genuine discovery at the 2009 Fifa U-20 World Cup, Afroto scored the opening goal of the tournament for the hosts. Once the darling of Egyptian football, Afroto now seems all but forgotten to the world. The Egyptian had great pace, trickery, power, and every other attribute required to make a top player. Afroto was tipped to be the main man for the future of the Pharaohs, yet his promising future grew dim after he had issues with his parent club Al-Ahly for not allowing him to return from loan when he asked for it. Afroto said the club treated him as though he were nothing and was looking to move to Europe amid political instability in Egypt. The attacking midfielder was set to move to Greek side Atromitos F.C but finally signed up for Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag. He appeared only in four games for Qarabag, joined Misr El Makasa on a two-and-a-half-year contract, and is now employed by Romania's ACS Poli Timisoara.
TAYE ISMAILA TAIWO - Nigeria

At age 20, the talented left-back was already making massive waves in the French Ligue 1 after he was signed by Olympique Marseille to replace former France international Bixente Lizarazu who had departed for Bayern Munich. Taiwo, indeed, enjoyed solid and consistent performances with Marseille for five years. His attacking skill down the left flank as a full-back caught the eye. He had a powerful left foot, good ability from set-pieces, and made the headlines in France as he continued to impress. Taiwo's career has suffered a bad swing, though, after he joined AC Milan in May 2010. The Nigerian spent most of his time in Milan on the bench and secured a season-long loan to England's Queen Park Rangers. Still, his lot failed to improve significantly. He moved to Dynamo Kyiv on another loan deal and is now on the books of Turkish side Bursaspor. Taiwo, once a regular for his country, has now lost his place altogether in the Super Eagles' setup.
ABEIKU QUANSAH - Ghana
Quansah, a winger so fast and skilful, was a member of Ghana’s squad at the U-17 World Cup in Korea, making six impressive appearances at that tournament. He was also a member of the gold-winning Black Satellites' class of 2009. Quansah signed for French club OGC Nice in 2008 but featured rather infrequently before transferring to now defunct Ukrainian team Arsenal Kyiv. Presently with unfashionable El Gouna in Egypt, few Ghanaians remember how good Quansah once was; even fewer are aware he still plays football. Still young, Quansah has some time on his side, and his admirers could only hope he comes good someday.
MACAULEY CHRISANTUS - Nigeria
It might not yet be all over for Macauley in terms of becoming the top footballer many imagined he would blossom into. The 23-year-old has had two good seasons with Spanish lower-tier side Las Palmas, scoring 20 goals in 67 appearances. Macauley had - and maybe still has - enough in his tank to be a great centre-forward. Not so long ago (in 2007) he picked up the Silver Ball and top goalscorer at the U-17 World Cup, scoring seven with his right foot alone. Following his successes, the promising young striker was wanted by big clubs in Europe and he eventually joined Hamburg in the Bundesliga but struggled to find a place in the first team. Prior to his move to Las Palmas, Macauley was sent by Hamburg on two loan spells during which he notched some 19 goals, giving indications that he couldn't yet be written off. A transfer this summer to Turkish club Sivasspor presents a fine opportunity to make further progress.
RANSFORD OSEI - Ghana
Opportunistic, blessed with lots of pace and great movement, Osei was recognised as one of the 50 Most Exciting Teenagers on the Planet in November 2007 by World Soccer Magazine. The boy - who said he would love to head the ball just like the legend Patrick Kluivert, control it as well as Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o Fils, and finish moves off as slickly as Thierry Henry does - certainly had plenty of ambition while still young. Likely, then, Osei would be disappointed not to have reached the goals he had set for himself. He was a leader and had all the makings of a great poacher, collecting a host of individual and team laurels for Ghana at youth level. Winning his first senior cap for his country at the age of 17, many saw him as a perfect partner/cover for current Black Stars' lead forward Asamoah Gyan. Osei was selected as part of the Ghanaian national side that won silver at the 2010 African Cup of Nations. After a couple of disappointing spells in Europe, Osei returned to Ghana where he now plays for record domestic champions Asante Kotoko. Like several entries on this list, Osei could still recover, tough though it may seem.
SADICK ADAMS - Ghana
Bringing terror to opponents and joy to his countrymen with amazing strength and skill, Adams was an enticing prospect when featuring for Ghana's Black Starlets back in 2007. Adams signed a pre-contract agreement with Spanish side Atletico Madrid in November 2009 and was allowed to train with the club's reserves as Fifa authorized no international transfers for footballers aged 18 and under. It all looked bright for Adams until he was banned for four months for abandoning a deal with Etoile du Sahel in order to sign for the 2014 Uefa Champions League finalists. Having shot himself in the foot with that error, Adams has since not been able to settle in any top-flight league.

The striker deserves credit for picking the right time to walk away, having lost the backing of some officials within the country's football association

Back home in Cote D’Ivoire, many fans saw it coming. They knew that Didier Drogba was relishing his last moments with the Elephants during the 2014 World Cup.

The Chelsea great had always issued ambiguous statements about his future with the Ivorian national team. After getting knocked out by Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Drogba said he would likely step down in order to create space for younger players and that Brazil 2014 could be his last tournament for his country. He then reviewed his stance by saying that he could play one or two more editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, he knew he needed to prove his future worth with a convincing performance at this summer's World Cup, but after so much expectancy, Cote d'Ivoire once again disappointed, failing to get through a relatively easy group.

The Elephants were already preparing for life after Drogba. Former coach Sabri Lamouchi dared to open his World Cup campaign without the team’s all-time top scorer in the starting 11 – a move that local fans, officials and politicians would never have condoned in the not-so-distant past.

Lamouchi said his star man no longer possessed the fire he was known for and should thus start from the bench. The experiment failed. Although the Elephants opened with a 2-1 win over Japan - crucially, turning the game around after Drogba's introduction - they were beaten by Colombia and then eliminated by the concession of a last-gasp winner to Greece.

                 Time to say goodbye | Drogba has quit Cote d'Ivoire after earning 104 caps for his country

Relegating Drogba to the role of impact substitute was symbolic of Lamouchi's attempt to rebuild an underachieving outfit, made up of many ageing and uninspired players.

As Ivorian football federation president Augustin Sidy Diallo admitted, new boss Herve Renard has now been hired to completely overhaul the squad.

According to Goal's sources at the football association, Drogba was at the top of the list of senior players prompted to move on, to make way for the next generation. He no longer enjoyed unanimous support from officials to continue with the team.

“Everybody wants something new - fresh air, new challenges, new adventure – and not the same faces and legs that keep disappointing millions of fans for a decade now,” said the source, who refused to be named because the FA is yet to officially react to Drogba’s announcement.

Renard’s reform will likely see more retirements in all departments.

“We want to build a team and put an end to the 'stars syndrome'. We want the team to play cohesive and result-oriented football, no matter the players delivering it,” Renard said at a press conference in Abidjan.

Pre-empting the inevitable was a wise and respectable move from Drogba, whose legacy could have been diminished by outstaying his welcome.

After 12 years and more than 100 caps with the national team, the talismanic forward bids farewell to a golden generation of footballers, the best to have ever been produced by the country.

He captained the squad to many top competitions, including the 2006 and 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly missed out on gold in both finals.

He hugely contributed to Cote D’Ivoire’s historic qualification to the 2006 World Cup in Germany and inspired many young talents, as well as the building of football training centres across the country.

However, Cote D’Ivoire did not win a title under Drogba and Co. All of his career accolades so far have been individual, prompting many locals to tag him as the most unlucky player in the history of Ivorian football to date.

Yet, he affected many lives in the country positively and remains a national symbol, for locals, neutrals and fans abroad.

Drogba’s silhouette can be easily recognised by the young and old in even the smallest village of Cote D’Ivoire. He’s been the most popular figure in the west African country, cutting across religious and political barriers from north to south. Hence, he was able to play the role of peace-maker during the decade-long armed conflict in the country.

No time could have been perhaps better than quitting the team than now, when he is still held in high esteem by many Ivorians who see no replacement in sight for the national icon.

Drogba’s fame will linger on in Cote D’Ivoire for years to come. He may not have won an international title but he had long since won the hearts of his compatriots. This was the right time to say goodbye.

Cristiano's problems in 2013-14 saw him take time out and subsequently struggle at the World Cup. Ahead of the new season, his fragile fitness remains a concern

Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Real Madrid in Tuesday night's Uefa Super Cup clash against Sevilla in Cardiff, but senior figures at the Santiago Bernabeu remain concerned over the long-term fitness of their finest footballer.

Ronaldo has been stepping up his training programme over the last few days to ensure he is in shape for the new season as the European champions chase six different trophies and the Portugal international is desperate to feature in the Uefa Super Cup - the only title of the sextet that he has yet to win in his professional career.

Madrid's coaching staff and directors watched with concern as Ronaldo struggled with the Seleccao at the World Cup, looking well below his peak fitness and avoiding sprints as he appeared afraid of pushing his fragile frame to its limits - something he has done on too many occasions in recent seasons.

Cristiano's competitive streak has seen him turn out even when he probably should have rested at times for Madrid and the 29-year-old wants to play in every minute of every game, but that is now no longer in his best interests. Still suffering from a degenerative knee condition called tendonosis and a long-standing thigh problem, what Ronaldo requires more than anything is rest.

This summer, he has had very little of that after representing his country at Brazil 2014 and then returning to training with Madrid at the end of July. He has been eased back into action by the Spanish side, however, and featured for just 17 minutes against Manchester United in his team's tour of the United States late last month.
Club officials held their breath as Ronaldo began his pre-season preparations but the Ballon d'Or holder has looked sharp since stepping up his programme, even putting some of his team-mates in the shade with his press-up routine (which included claps underneath his body between every lift) and his sprint drills. The worry, however, is that he will break down again at a crucial moment in the side's season - just as he did in 2013-14.

FLOORED | Ronaldo was unfit at the World Cup and there are concerns in Madrid about his knee

Then, the Madeira-native picked up an injury against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League that was described by coach Carlo Ancelotti as "nothing serious". But it was serious enough to see Ronaldo miss the final of the Copa del Rey two weeks later. Later, in May, he was substituted after just nine minutes against Valladolid, missed a crucial clash versus Celta Vigo as Madrid fought for - and ultimately lost - La Liga, before pulling out in the warm-up of his side's final fixture in the Primera Division, with the European Golden Shoe at stake.
Also at stake, however, was the Champions League and again, Cristiano's condition was described as "not serious" and his withdrawal from training "precautionary". But he was below his best as Madrid claimed La Decima by beating Atletico and trained alone or with ice-packs during the World Cup, looking well short of full fitness when his nation needed him most.

Ancelotti has given Goal 50 winner Ronaldo the green light to feature for Madrid on Tuesday. "Cristiano really wants to play in the Super Cup and that's why I gave him minutes [against Manchester United]," the Blancos boss said last week. "There's no reason to worry about his fitness. We are going to prepare him well."

But the 55-year-old is aware that he must rest the Portuguese over the course of the season to keep him fit for the key battles in April and May. With a possible 65 fixtures in six competitions ahead in the coming campaign, the coach knows that neither Ronaldo nor anyone else in the squad will be able to play them all

The French defender, who was unveiled by Olympiakos on Monday, discussed his turbulent time at Camp Nou and thanked former team-mates for their care during his illness

Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal claims many "extraordinary" things happened behind the scenes at the Catalan club that have never seen the light of day.

Abidal endured a traumatic time at Barca as he was laid low by cancer, underwent a liver transplant and was later forced to leave when, having made an emotional comeback, the promise of a new contract never materialised.

The former France full-back joined Monaco last summer, but has now moved to Olympiakos after a single season in Ligue 1 and was unveiled by the Greek champions on Monday.

Speaking of his time at Camp Nou, the 34-year-old said: "I will never forget what my team-mates did for me [during my illness]. I don't think there has ever been anything like it."

Right-back Dani Alves offered to donate part of his liver to help Abidal return to a normal life, while former captain Carles Puyol let the Frenchman lift the Champions League trophy in his place when Barca beat Manchester United in the 2011 final at Wembley.

However, Abidal was also involved in a pay dispute with the Catalan club and left under a cloud after the public promise of a new deal was never fulfilled by the Blaugrana board.

"Despite everything, at Barca many other things happened that have never seen the light, that have never been published and that the press don't know about," he said. "And they are extraordinary things."

Abidal will link up with former Barca team-mate Ibrahim Afellay at Olympiakos and said: "I hope my experience and knowledge can help this club to grow. Wherever I play, I always give everything and my sweat will be proof of that."

The Nigeria Football Federation expects to resolve the vacancy in the coaching position of the Super Eagles this week while lifting bans on some members of the football house

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that Stephen Keshi will sign a contract to continue in his role as Super Eagles coach ‘in a matter of days’.
The 52-year-old’s previous contract expired at the end of the World Cup where he took Nigeria to the second round as they fell to France in Brasilia.
After prolonged speculation, the NFF has announced that the former national team captain is set to return as contract documents have been sent to him and he is expected to come back to the job.
In a communiqué sent to josexsport, the NFF said: “Having finalized the fresh contract with Mr. Stephen Keshi, for him to continue as Head Coach of the Super Eagles, and having forwarded same to Mr. Keshi, the Executive Committee expects the new contract to be signed by the NFF and Mr. Keshi in a matter of days.”
Nigeria will begin their qualification series for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with a game against Rwanda in Calabar on September 6 before traveling to South Africa to face Bafana Bafana on September 10.
The NFF Executive Committee also confirmed the lifting of bans on various football administrators including Rumson Baribote, Olaleye Adepoju, Jarrett Tenebe and Olajide Fashikun.
It declared that the ban on Taiwo Ogunjobi will be lifted once communication is received from the Court of Arbitration for Sport that he has withdrawn the suit he instituted there.
Adepoju is expected to return to his post as chairman of the Oyo State Football Association as well as his seat on the Executive Committee of NFF. Chidi Okenwa also returns to his seat as chairman of Enugu State Football Association.
However, Baribote is not expected to return to his former position as chairman of the Nigeria Premier League.
The NFF Executive Committee also declared that it had found Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande not culpable and therefore cleared him of allegation of anti-Board activities.
It however, re-affirmed suspension from the Executive Committee and bans of six months and one year from all football–related activities placed on former members of the Committee, Chris Green and Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’ respectively, pending the ratification of the General Assembly.

Vermaelen keen to 'start from scratch'

Thomas Vermaelen wants to put an injury-plagued spell behind him and "start from scratch" after completing his move to Barcelona from Arsenal, the Belgium defender said on Sunday.
Vermaelen sustained an Achilles injury in 2010 followed by a series of niggling problems and featured only 21 times for Arsenal in the 2013-14 season after falling behind Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker in the pecking order.
The 28-year-old signed his five-year Barca contract and was presented to fans at the Nou Camp on Sunday before setting out his ambitions at the Spanish club, where he will compete for a starting place with the likes ofGerard Pique, Jeremy Mathieu and Marc Bartra.
"When you come to a club as big as Barca you have to prove your worth and playing time is not a given," Vermaelen told a news conference.
"Barca's centre backs are very good, there is competition but it's up to me to show I can play here," he added.
"I want to put the injuries behind me and look forward. Last season was tough but I want to start again from scratch and I am sure I will have a fantastic season.
"I have a lot of desire to play and I am aware that expectations are very high."

Thomas Vermaelen wants to put an injury-plagued spell behind him and "start from scratch" after completing his move to Barcelona from Arsenal, the Belgium defender said on Sunday.
Vermaelen sustained an Achilles injury in 2010 followed by a series of niggling problems and featured only 21 times for Arsenal in the 2013-14 season after falling behind Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker in the pecking order.
The 28-year-old signed his five-year Barca contract and was presented to fans at the Nou Camp on Sunday before setting out his ambitions at the Spanish club, where he will compete for a starting place with the likes ofGerard Pique, Jeremy Mathieu and Marc Bartra.
"When you come to a club as big as Barca you have to prove your worth and playing time is not a given," Vermaelen told a news conference.
"Barca's centre backs are very good, there is competition but it's up to me to show I can play here," he added.
"I want to put the injuries behind me and look forward. Last season was tough but I want to start again from scratch and I am sure I will have a fantastic season.
"I have a lot of desire to play and I am aware that expectations are very high."
Barca's defence was a weak point last season, when they failed to win major silverware for the first time in six years.
Gerardo Martino has been replaced as coach by former Barca and Spain midfielder Luis Enrique and as well as strengthening the defence with Vermaelen and Mathieu the club have bought in Uruguay striker Luis Suarez,Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic and goalkeepers Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo.
Midfielder Rafinha, the younger brother of Bayern Munich's former Barca playmaker Thiago Alcantara, and forwardGerard Deulofeu, have returned from loan spells at Celta Vigo and Everton respectively.
Vermaelen sustained a minor hamstring injury at the World Cup finals in Brazil in June and said he still needed a few weeks to get back to full fitness.
Barca start their La Liga campaign, when they will chase a fifth title in seven years, at home to Elche on August 24.
Jordi Mestre, a Barca vice president, told reporters the club had agreed to pay as much as 18.8 million euros for Vermaelen, including a fixed fee of 10 million, depending on his performances and the team's results.

United title push unrealistic - Neville

Gary Neville says it’s not realistic to expect Manchester United to win the Premier League in Louis van Gaal’s first season in charge. The new United manager has declared his intention to lead the club to the title after a disappointing campaign under predecessor David Moyes, which saw the side slump to a seventh-placed finish. Former full-back Neville says Van Gaal is right to be ambitious and feels a lack of European football will help the club improve their domestic form. However, he says the Dutchman needs to sign world-class players in defence and midfield if they are to offer a realistic challenge to the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea. “Unless two or three players come in I don’t think it’s realistic that he can win the league this year,” he told Sky Sports. “Although there is a potential with what Liverpool did in the fact they had free weeks of Saturday to Saturday, continual perfect preparation. That’s a big advantage for United if they get onto some momentum. Gary Neville says for him Chelsea are the favourites to win the Premier League this year especially if Diego Costa hits the ground running. “In Chicharito, Rooney, Van Persie and Welbeck, they have still got, I think, probably the best strikers in the league as a pool. “If they can get the back right and find a solution in midfield – Carrick’s out for two or three months so they need to sign another top midfield player – and stay injury-free then they do have a chance. “But I do think it would be a massive ask for Manchester United to win the league this year from where they have been, unless they sign two or three real stars and they all bed in immediately in the next few weeks. “Van Gaal’s got the confidence to think he can win the league. You can’t turn around as Manchester United manager and say anything other than ‘our aspiration and ambition is to win the league’.” While Neville says United can draw inspiration from Liverpool’s unlikely second-placed finish last season, he does not see Brendan Rodgers’ side repeating that form. He is tipping Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal to finish inside the top four and does not expect the Anfield club to be in the title mix. “I don’t think Liverpool will win the league,” Neville added. “I think it was a miracle, really, to get to the point that they did last year. I think they were absolutely at full pelt last year, 100 per cent, to get to the standard that they got to, they really were. “I thought at one point with three weeks to go that they were going to win it because the momentum was with them, the performances were outstanding and they just fell away at the last. “Success this year for Liverpool, for me, would look like a Champions League finish, getting to the knockout phase of the Champions League and doing well in a domestic cup. “That’s not being patronising, I just think that last year was really an over-achievement and I don’t see them being stronger than City and Chelsea. “Forget United and Arsenal because we don’t quite know what they are going to do yet, but I think the two at the top – City and Chelsea – they’ll find it difficult to get past those two.”