Madrid, Jan 8 (IANS): Sevilla's Croatian midfielder Igor Rakitic is one of the players of the season to date in Spain, which has led to rumours linking him to some big clubs but the footballer Wednesday said that "he is happy where he is".

The 25-year-old has been the driving force behind Sevilla's fine recovery which has seen them pick up after a slow start to the season to now challenge for a place in the top six, reports Xinhua.

The player, who joined Sevilla on a four and a half year contract at the start of 2011, has seen how his side has gone from a period in which they failed to win in over 20 league games away from the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium to winning their last three away games, while Rakitic has also found the opposition net on eight occasions and provided six assists.

With the winter transfer market now in full swing until the end of the month, it has escaped nobody's attention that his contract with Sevilla will expire in 18 months, meaning the club has to think about whether or not to sell their key player or try to convince him to extend his current deal.

Fortunately for Sevilla, with sides such as Manchester United and Arsenal rumoured to be interested in Rakitic, the Croatian is happy where he is.

"I have connected with Sevilla and with Spain, because I feel very happy at home. I am in love with my wife and my daughter, who was born here, and if you are happy in your life, then you are also happy in your football," said Rakitic.

"There is no hurry over my contract renovation because there is over a year and a half to go, but the fact the club are interested is an honour for me," he said, brushing aside talk of a move to England.

"At the moment I feel passion for Sevilla and I am not worried about any other club in any other country. I have taken responsibility as club captain since the start of the season and my family have given me a lot of courage and willpower."

The midfielder, also expressed his good relationship with coach, Unai Emery, who once again is showing that given time to work he is capable of building a competitive side.

"I get on very well with him, we talk every day and I feel the confidence that the coach and the club have in me," concluded Rakitic.