Ivan Rakitic Announces Retirement From Football; Barcelona, Sevilla Honor Croatian
Ivan Rakitic, ex-Croatia international, retired at 37. He won 16 trophies with Barcelona and played 106 times for Croatia, including the 2018 World Cup final.
Former Croatia international Ivan Rakitic, best known for his illustrious spells with Sevilla and Barcelona, officially announced his retirement from football on Monday at the age of 37.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Rakitic reflected on his journey through the sport.
'Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me friends, emotions, joy and tears," he wrote.
'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."
Sevilla and Barcelona Pay Tribute
Rakitic's former clubs were quick to honour his career. Sevilla, where he made 323 appearances, scoring 53 goals and delivering 63 assists, shared highlights of his tenure at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. The Croatian midfielder played a key role in the club's two UEFA Europa League triumphs.
Barcelona also paid tribute, posting a photo of Rakitic surrounded by the trophies he won in Catalonia. 'Football will miss you, Ivan. We wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life," read the club's message.
Internationally, Rakitic earned 106 caps for Croatia and was a starter in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where his team finished runners-up to France.
He concluded his career with brief stints at Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab and Croatian club Hajduk Split.
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