Former Croatia international Ivan Rakitic, best known for his time at Barcelona and Sevilla, announced his retirement from professional football on Monday at the age of 37.
“Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me friends, emotions, joy and tears,” Rakitic wrote in a heartfelt message shared on social media.
“Now it’s time to say goodbye. Because even if I walk away from you, I know you’ll never walk away from me. Thank you, football. For everything.”
Rakitic began his professional career at Swiss club Basel before making moves to Schalke in Germany and then to Spain, where he achieved his greatest successes. He earned 106 caps for Croatia and was a key figure in the national team’s historic run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where they fell to France.
At the club level, Rakitic won numerous honours, including the treble with Barcelona in 2015. He also lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy twice with Sevilla, becoming a fan favourite at both Spanish clubs.
He concluded his playing days with a brief stint at Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab, followed by a final season at Croatian club Hajduk Split.
— AFP
