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Report: Rakitic says he is joining Barca

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SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) A day before the World Cup opener, Croatia's midfielder Ivan Rakitic says he will join Barcelona.

The 26-year-old Sevilla captain told Croatian media that he will sign with the Spanish giants after the World Cup, which opens Thursday with host Brazil facing Croatia in Sao Paulo.

''It is my dream come true,'' Rakitic was quoted as saying.

The deal is reportedly worth around 20 million euros ($27 million).

Rakitic was previously rumored to be negotiating with Barcelona rivals, Real Madrid, where another technical Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric, is playing.

Modric expressed his sadness that the two won't play at the same club next season.

''If I was ever asked, I would have liked Rakitic to sign with Real Madrid,'' Modric said.

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