Star midfielder Ivan Rakitić has hinted at staying connected to football in a new role in the future.
After a professional career spanning over two decades and crafting countless success stories, Rakitić has decided to hang up his boots. Having already retired from international football, the Croatian midfielder has now bid farewell to club football as well.
On Monday, through an emotional message on social media, the former Barcelona midfielder announced his retirement from all forms of football.
“Football, you have given me more than I ever imagined. You have given me victory, defeat, lessons, and lifelong friends. You have given me a unique path and thousands of stories to tell. You have gifted me a beautiful family and wonderful moments that I will carry in my heart forever.”
“Now it is time to enjoy you from a different perspective, with the same passion and always a grateful heart, but from afar, from the office, from home, or wherever life takes me.”
Born into a Croatian family in Switzerland, Rakitić stepped onto the football pitch at just four years old. Rising through the youth ranks at FC Basel, he broke into their senior team.
In 2007, he joined German club Schalke. Most of his career was spent at Sevilla, in two separate spells, but his best years came at Barcelona.
During six successful seasons with the Catalan club, he won 13 trophies including four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, and one UEFA Champions League.
At 37, Rakitić has had a remarkable career with Croatia as well, earning 106 caps. He was a key player in Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to France in the title clash.
