Ivan Rakitic admits his first weeks with Al Shabab have exceeded expectations.

The midfielder made an emotional exit from Sevilla in January to join the Saudi Pro League club.

Rakitic told Record: “I am very happy to be here and it has already exceeded my expectations.

"I have always wanted to achieve great things in sport and football and I believe that foreigners can contribute a lot to the development of this league."

The Croatian did not hesitate to highlight the work of his coach, Vitor Pereira: “We have hired a coach who can work perfectly in the best leagues in Europe, in the best teams in those leagues and who is very well prepared, just like his coaching staff, which is of a very high level; It's something I've noticed since the first day I arrived.

"We want to succeed together and return Al Shabab to its rightful place, at the top of the league. We have a lot of confidence in our work and I am sure that what is to come will be very positive."

Rakitic was also asked about the level of the SPL.

“The Saudi league is top level. Portuguese? There is Cristiano up front, of course, but there are also many great players. I am very happy to compete with them... "