Your cart

Loyal Darijo Srna rejects Barcelona to ‘follow his heart’ and finish career at Shakhtar Donetsk

DARIJO SRNA has shown incredible loyalty and sensationally turned down the opportunity of a move to Barcelona.

The Croatia international was heavily courted by Luis Enrique as he tries to cure right-back problem which has been an issue since the departure of Dani Alves in the summer.

Darijo Srna has rejected opportunity to leave Shakhtar for Barcelona
Darijo Srna has rejected opportunity to leave Shakhtar for Barcelona
Getty Images

However, Srna will not be moving to the Nou Camp after admitting his love for Shakhtar Donetsk means he could not leave.

Keep up to date with ALL the Barcelona news, gossip and transfers on our club page

He told Football TV Ukraine: “I am happy with my decision.

“I listened to my heart and decided to stay at Shakhtar.

“I have made the right choice.”

When asked about Barcelona’s interest him, the 34-year-old gave little away.

Darijo Srna celebrates Euro 2016 group match victory for Croatia over Turkey
Darijo Srna celebrates Euro 2016 group match victory for Croatia over Turkey
Getty Images

He replied: “I will make no comment on this situation, it would be unprofessional.

“The most important thing is that I have decided to stay at Shakhtar.

“I want to stay.”

Luis Enrique will have been disappointed to miss out on top January target
Luis Enrique will have been disappointed to miss out on top January target
EPA

Related Articles

Nou talent

Neymar, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique sons all part of Barcelona's famed academy

Nou going back

Barca director SACKED after claiming ‘Lionel Messi is only good due to his teammates’

another fine mess

'You're only good because of your team-mates' — Barca director's astonishing attack on Messi

messi situation

Barcelona chief launches astonishing attack on Lionel Messi after Copa del Rey last-16 draw

Ron-g way to go

World Cups, quick hat-tricks and Emile Heskey's scoring feats - 11 records Barcelona and Real Madrid stars have NOT broken
Darijo Srna is regarded a one of the most clinical free-kick takers in Europe
Darijo Srna is regarded a one of the most clinical free-kick takers in Europe
EPA
Darijo Srna battles for the ball with Manchester United's Robin van Persie
Darijo Srna battles for the ball with Manchester United’s Robin van Persie
Getty Images

Barcelona are in desperate need of an established right-back to get them through the rest of the season.

Alves was a stalwart for the best part of a decade and his departure to Juventus has been heavily felt.

Sergi Roberto has filled in, but is a converted winger, and it shows — while Aleix Vidal has failed to settle at the club.

Darijo Srna in action against Paolo Maldini soon after moving to Shakhtar
Darijo Srna in action against Paolo Maldini soon after moving to Shakhtar
Epa
An emotional Darijo Srna retired immediately after Croatia's Euro 2016 elimination
An emotional Darijo Srna retired immediately after Croatia’s Euro 2016 elimination
Reuters
Graham Poll sends off Darijo Srna during 2006 World Cup finals match
Graham Poll sends off Darijo Srna during 2006 World Cup finals match
AP:Associated Press

At 34, Srna wouldn’t have been a long-term option, but Enrique is in the market for experience — and Branislav Ivanovic was another name mooted.

The Croat is considered one of the best around in his position, and is a fantastic free-kick taker.

However, he has constantly refused overtures from Europe’s biggest clubs such as Chelsea and Bayern Munich, and stayed at Shakhtar since moving from Hajduk Split in 2003.

He is the Ukrainian club’s record appearance maker, having played 513 games.

Dani Alves' absence at right-back has been seriously felt by Barcelona
Dani Alves’ absence at right-back has been seriously felt by Barcelona
Corbis
Sergi Roberto is a converted right winger and is struggling at full-back
Sergi Roberto is a converted right winger and is struggling at full-back
AP:Associated Press
Luis Enrique could now turn is attention to Chelsea veteran Branislav Ivanovic
Luis Enrique could now turn is attention to Chelsea veteran Branislav Ivanovic
Getty Images

Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the January window with SunSport’s daily LIVE blog

And he is known as the ‘Icon of Shakhtar’.

Srna has won eight Ukrainian Premier League titles, the Ukrainian Cup on six occasions, the Ukrainian Super Cup seven times and the Uefa Cup in 2008-09, where he was man of the match in the final.

He retired from international football following the last-16 elimination from Euro 2016, and is also Croatia’s record appearance maker, with 134.

Leave a comment

← Back to Latest Sports News - results, live scores, fixtures | The Sun