Rakitić: "We want to make Croatia proud"

Croatia international Ivan Rakitić reveals that the national football team feels like one big family.

"We are a young team and a big family, staying relaxed in a nice atmosphere. You can always put in your best performance on the field if there is the right kind of family behind you", says Rakitić.

He also remembers the EURO 1996 in England.

"Our football history is extremely beautiful. I can recall the Davor Šuker goal over Schmeichel at the European Championships in England and I hope there will be more such moments in the future. I had watched that match against Denmark with my family at home, I was jumping for joy and feeling very proud".

Regarding the EURO 2016 in France, Rakitić has one major desire.

"Croatia is young and hungry for success, we can hardly wait for the tournament to start. Aware that the group stage will be difficult for us, demanding 150 percent of our abilities, we wish to make Croatia proud. Croatia is a football nation, and God providing, we want to do something that was never done before in Croatia".

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