Ivan Rakitic was shocked and "hurt" as his friend Andres Iniesta was excluded from Spain's starting eleven in their world cup round of 16 meeting with Russia.
The former Barcelona player and Rakitic have three LaLiga titles, one UEFA Champions League and four Copa del Rey titles together from 2015 to 2018.
They had moments together in the midfield which is the more reason the Croatian was amazed as Fernando Hierro omitted the former Barcelona captain from the starting eleven in their last match.
The 2010 world cup winner was later substituted in for the Manchester City play maker David Silva in the 67th minute of the match.
The Russians were able to hold Spain to a 1-1 draw as the match ended in a penalty shootout in favour of the hosts.
"Right now I feel I am a novice to football. I think I don't understand the game again. How can the best player in that position be excluded? It hurts a lot." Rakitic told El Pais.