Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic says he has no thoughts of retirement.

Now 34, the Croatian veteran is already eyeing a new deal, with his current contract running to 2024.

He told Diario de Seville: “I hope they renew my contract for five more years. The important thing is to stay until I see what I can contribute and help the team.

"I'm delighted and I don't think about anything else, or other places or anything.

"I'm not considering any retirement, because I love football and I want to play as much as I can. If that will be one, two, three or five years, we'll see, as long as I see myself competitive and capable of helping, I'll be here."

Rakitic continued: "What works is the performance, not the DNI. The important thing is performance and it doesn't matter if you're 18, 23 or 35... It doesn't matter the name or the date of birth. Those discussions are for the others, the important thing is that we continue adding, and with that we stay."

Rakitic also conceded he was sorry seeing Diego Carlos sold to Aston Villa.

He added: "Diego has been a very important player, he has given an incredible performance and he is a spectacular guy. I will miss him a lot but I understand him perfectly. I want to thank him for these three years and wish him all the best in the future.

"And I congratulate the club for another great transfer, spectacular Monchi, the president and the vice president."