Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has explained his presence at a Seville festival last week.

The Croatian was pictured smiling in pictures from the festivities a day after he was part of Ernesto Valverde's team that lost 4-0 at Champions League opponents Liverpool.

"I don't have any problem with saying sorry," he said after Sunday's 2-0 win over Getafe.

"I'm a father and husband, and family is the most important thing to me.

"I went to Seville to be with my family.

"Someone asked me for a photo and I never say no.

"I accept the opinions, but football is 100 percent of my life.

"I'm responsible and I only want the best for my teammates and for me."

There were also reports that Rakitic met with members of the Boixos Nois supporter group outside his home to explain himself.

"I don't know how this got out," he said.

"They're two people that I know.

"They were speaking with me, it was positive and they gave me their support."