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

Luis Enrique had made Croat No.1 short-term right-back option, and could turn to Branislav Ivanovic after unexpected snub

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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
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Darijo Srna has rejected opportunity to leave Shakhtar for BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images

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

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He told : “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
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Darijo Srna celebrates Euro 2016 group match victory for Croatia over TurkeyCredit: 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
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Luis Enrique will have been disappointed to miss out on top January targetCredit: EPA

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Darijo Srna is regarded a one of the most clinical free-kick takers in Europe
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Darijo Srna is regarded a one of the most clinical free-kick takers in EuropeCredit: EPA
Darijo Srna battles for the ball with Manchester United's Robin van Persie
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Darijo Srna battles for the ball with Manchester United's Robin van PersieCredit: 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
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Darijo Srna in action against Paolo Maldini soon after moving to ShakhtarCredit: Epa
An emotional Darijo Srna retired immediately after Croatia's Euro 2016 elimination
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An emotional Darijo Srna retired immediately after Croatia's Euro 2016 eliminationCredit: Reuters
Graham Poll sends off Darijo Srna during 2006 World Cup finals match
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Graham Poll sends off Darijo Srna during 2006 World Cup finals matchCredit: 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
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Dani Alves' absence at right-back has been seriously felt by BarcelonaCredit: Corbis
Sergi Roberto is a converted right winger and is struggling at full-back
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Sergi Roberto is a converted right winger and is struggling at full-backCredit: AP:Associated Press
Luis Enrique could now turn is attention to Chelsea veteran Branislav Ivanovic
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Luis Enrique could now turn is attention to Chelsea veteran Branislav IvanovicCredit: Getty Images

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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.

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