Ivan Rakitić Announces End of Playing Career

Ivan Rakitić, one of the greatest footballers in Croatian history, has decided to close the final chapter of his brilliant playing career.

Rakitić has ended his professional career at the age of 38, and bid farewell to football on his Instagram account today. He will now join the team of Hajduk’s new sports director, Goran Vučević.

“Dear Football,

You’ve been a part of my life since day one. From the pitches of Möhlin, my hometown in Switzerland, to the biggest stadiums in the world — you were always there. You gave me my first opportunity at FC Basel. I was happy but impatient, and now you’ve taught me to believe that anything is possible. And that was just the beginning. With Schalke 04, I grew alongside you.

It was my first time leaving home, and I learned to face new challenges, new cultures, and new lessons. You taught me how opening one door leads to another. That’s how I arrived in Sevilla. And there, I experienced something different. You gave me so much more — you gave me a home. I had the honor of being captain, lifting my first major trophy, and most importantly, through you, I met the love of my life.

Because of you, I found peace. I became a father to my daughters. I created a little family, all thanks to you. Then came Barcelona. You taught me to live a dream I wouldn’t have even dared to dream. I played alongside the best, won the biggest trophies, and became part of the club’s history.

You gave me the chance to play with the greatest, against the greatest, and for the greatest. You allowed me to return to Sevilla, to close the circle, to say thank you, and to feel at home again. And then, to be captain once more. And again, you opened up something new for me.

When I was the calmest I’d ever been, you led me to a new country, with a new rhythm and a new way of life at the helm of Al Shabab. That was a special experience, where I felt I gave something new and received something new. Thank you for that.

A return to my roots. For the first time, I wore the jersey of my beloved Hajduk Split… those were tears I will carry with me forever. I could have never dreamed I would have the chance to play for my homeland, for Croatia, at the European and World Championships, against the best in the world.

Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me friends, emotions, joy, and tears. You gave me an entire life, and because of you, I will forever remain a child. Now it’s time to say goodbye. Because even though I’m leaving you, I know you’ll never leave me.

Thank you, football. For everything.”

 

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