The tears shed on the pitch when Ivan Rakitic was substituted on May 25, in the Croatian national championship match between Sibenik and Hajduk Split, were a clear sign.
Rakitic has finally said goodbye to football. He made the official announcement last Monday (July 7, European time).
At the age of 37, while his friend and brother Luka Modric continues to play before the age of 40 (birthday September 9), Rakitic ends his career.
During his peak playing time, he achieved success with Sevilla and then joined Barcelona , finally choosing to retire at Hajduk Split.
In his farewell message on Instagram, Rakitic spoke of football as a friend, not a sport or a profession.
“ Football , you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me friends, emotions, joy, tears. You gave me a life. A life that I will always be proud to carry.
Now, I have to say goodbye. Because even though I'm leaving you, I know that you will never leave me. Thank you, soccer."
During his 20-year career, Rakitic has won many major titles. Most notably, he played for Barca, where he won the Champions League in 2015, along with 4 La Liga titles (2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019), 4 Copa del Rey titles (2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018); 2 Spanish Super Cups (2016, 2018), 1 European Super Cup (2015), 1 Club World Cup (2015).
Rakitic also won 2 Europa League titles (2014 and 2023) with Sevilla.
In addition, Rakitic has 106 international matches and 15 goals for the Croatian national team. He has 3 EURO tournaments (2008, 2012, 2016); 2 World Cups (2014, 2028).
Rakitic has spent most of his senior career in Spain, but it all started in Basel, Switzerland, where his family emigrated after leaving the former Yugoslavia.
In 2005, he started his professional career at Basel. After two years, he moved to German side Schalke 04, before joining Sevilla in 2011.
In Sevilla's shirt, he played excellently, thereby paving the way to Barcelona with a transfer fee of 20 million euros - a bargain for the Catalan team.
At Barca, Rakitic had his truly peak years, being a mainstay under Luis Enrique – who led the team to a historic treble in 2015. He played well and had a friendship with Lionel Messi on the pitch.
He was also a key figure under Ernesto Valverde, regarded as one of the best midfielders in Blaugrana's recent history.
In 2020, Rakitic returned to Sevilla and won his second Europa League title (2023). Before retiring, he moved to Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia) and Hajduk Split – his first time playing for a hometown club.
Rakitic only played one season for Hajduk before saying goodbye to his playing career. He will be a leading member of the Croatian giants.
Barca sends farewell message to Rakitic. Source: FCB |
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/ivan-rakitic-treo-giay-o-tuoi-37-2419221.html
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