Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic says he would love to play under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before he retires from football.

Barca will now travel to the Etihad Stadium when they take on City in the Champions League group stages on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old says it would be his dream to work under Guardiola, who he has idolised as a footballer.

‘When I took the No. 4 jersey [at Barcelona], it was because of him. When I saw the opportunity to play No. 4, I took it with both hands. He was one of the best in the world,’ Rakitic said.

‘He’s fantastic and I hope he is really happy and successful in the future…but not tomorrow!

‘It would be fantastic to work with him one day.’

City striker Sergio Aguero is expected to line up for City on Tuesday after his two goals at West Brom but Rakitic admits that the Argentine is one of the world’s best strikers and he is keeping his fingers crossed Aguero goes easy on them.

‘We know Aguero is one of the best strikers in the world,’ he added. ‘We hope the goals he scored in the last game will be the last for a few days.

‘It will be hard for us. We hope Sergio had a good day this weekend and tomorrow he can go easy and wait for the next game.’

Kick-off has been set for 21:45.

Image: Manchester City website