Intro:

Ivan Rakitic was presented as a Barcelona player on Tuesday (1 July) following his move from Sevilla.

Script:

Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has completed hs medical and signed a contract to join Barcelona

The player signed a five-year deal on Tuesday, having agreed in principle to join Barcelona last month.

The 26-year-old Croat will help fill the void left by 'Cesc Fabregas after his transfer to Chelsea.

He says he has chosen the number four jersey, vacated by Fabregas, as he seeks to follow in the footsteps of former Barcelona player and coach Pep Guardiola and has said he wants to be the best he can possibly be.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Ivan Rakitic, FC Barcelona midfielder:

"I want to thank everybody here for everything. And I hope I will be able to deserve the trust they've put in me and do it as best as I can. That is why I am here in Barca."

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Ivan Rakitic, FC Barcelona midfielder:

"I want to write history. I want more. With what I have achieved last season with Sevilla a new door of hunger for titles is now open for me. I hope this is just the first step inside."

Rakitic has recently returned from the World Cup, where he couldn't prevent Croatia going out in the group stages.