Former Barcelona midfielder and Club Icon Ivan Rakitic announced the retirement of professional football at the age of 37.
He carried it to the Croatian Ace Instagram to confirm his decision, when he published a goodbye video with a message.
In the video, the former midfielder said: “Dear football, you’ve been a part of my life from the first day.
“From Mohlin Pitches, Switzerland, to the largest stadiums in the world, were always there.
“You made my first choice in FC Basil. I was only from a child, but you thought nothing was possible. And that was only the beginning.
“I grew up on Schalke 04, my first time I had my first time, and I learned to deal with new challenges, new cultures and new lessons, and that growth opened new doors.
“That’s how I got to Sevilla FC. And there I was much more experienced. I had a house.
“Thank you, my partner, I found my daughter’s mother. And when I thought I was all living, you surprised me again. Then Barça came.”
“You’ve encouraged me to live a dream. I played along with the best trophy, and I experienced magical nights at Camp Nou. You spent a privilege to become part of your history.
“But you didn’t stop. You let me return to Sevilla to close the circle, thank you, to feel at home again … and to win again.
Talk about his Stint in the Middle East, Rakitic wrote: “At least when I expected, he took me to a new rhythm and a new way of life. It was a special chapter and a proud, made my life friends.
“And to me how much you said, you gave me a last unforgettable chapter. Returning to my roots, you play the first time in Croatia, depicting the split hajduk … It was experience I will take me forever.
“But above all, you gave me the greatest honor of all. Crozed for a small country like ours. He reached the world’s final than the achievement of the sport, a gift to a whole nation.
“Football, you gave me more than I dreamed. Friends, emotions, joy and tears you gave me a life, I would take life with pride. Now it’s time to say goodbye.
“Even if I walk away from you, I know you will never be away from me. Thank you, football.”
Rakitic spent six years in Barcelona between 2014 and 2020. At that time he made 310 appearances to the club, scoring 35 goals. He won the four titles in La League, a UEFA Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, two Super Cup, and four round titles.
Barça themselves published Message on social media After the Rakitic announcement, he read it as follows.
“Football will miss you, Ivan. We wish you the best in this new stage of your life.”
Goodbye, legend!
2025-07-07 11:20:00
