Former Barcelona and Croatia star Rakitic announces retirement

Ivan Rakitic has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.

The Croatian midfielder represented FC Basel, Schalke, Sevilla, Barcelona and Al-Shabab before finishing his career with Hajduk Split.

Rakitic spent the majority of his playing days in Spain after two spells with Sevilla either side of six years with Barcelona.

He won 13 trophies with the Blaugrana, including four LaLiga titles and one Champions League, while also lifting two Europa League trophies with Sevilla.

Rakitic played 438 matches in LaLiga, winning 251 of those games, and recorded 61 goals and 67 assists.

After making 106 appearances for his country, and playing a key role in Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final, Rakitic was grateful for his footballing career.

“Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine,” he wrote in a post on social media.

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“You gave me victories, defeats, lessons and friends for life. You gave me a unique path and a thousand stories to tell. You gave me a beautiful family and moments that I will carry forever in my heart.

“Now it is time to enjoy you from another perspective, to live you with the same passion, with a always grateful heart, from the stands, from the offices, from home, or wherever life takes me.

“With Sevilla, I discovered a second home and found the love of my life. My daughter was born in that city and I won my first major title. We cried together and celebrated with passion. Sevilla is eternal.

“Barcelona gave me everything. It’s the club of my dreams. I achieved all my goals there, playing with the best players in the world and winning everything as a team.

“With Croatia, we made history. From our first game together in 2007 to the 2018 World Cup Final, where we made millions dream and feel proud of their roots. Sharing a dressing room with my national teammates has been one of the greatest gifts of my career.”