Former Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitić has confirmed his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.
In an emotional social media post, Rakitić expressed his gratitude to the sport that has given him so much, including victories, defeats, lifelong friends, and unforgettable moments.
Rakitić had last been playing for Hadjuk Split back in his homeland following a brief spell in the Saudi Pro League with Al Shabab.
Rakitić had last been playing for Hadjuk Split back in his homeland following a brief spell in the Saudi Pro League with Al Shabab.
"Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine," he wrote in a post on social media confirming he was hanging up his boots.
"You gave me victories, defeats, lessons, and friends for life. You gave me a unique path and a thousand stories to tell. You gave me a beautiful family and moments that I will carry forever in my heart.
“Now it is time to enjoy you from another perspective, to live you with the same passion, with a always grateful heart, from the stands, from the offices, from home, or wherever life takes me.”
Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, Rakitić came through at FC Basel before joining German side Schalke 04 in 2007.
After four years he moved to Sevilla in 2011, where he met his now wife, for the first of two spells with the Spanish side which bookended six hugely successful years at Barcelona.
With Barça, he won 13 trophies, including four La Liga titles, four Copas del Rey, and one Champions League.
He also enjoyed great success with Croatia, making 106 appearances before retiring from international football in 2019, one year after reaching the World Cup final with his country, where they lost to France. At Sevilla, he won two UEFA Europa League titles.
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