Official: Barcelona icon announces retirement from football

Yahoo

18 hours ago

Former Barcelona midfielder and club icon Ivan Rakitic has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.
The Croatian ace took to Instagram to confirm his decision as he posted a farewell video with a message.
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In the video, the former midfielder said: 'Dear football, you've been a part of my life from the very first day.
'From the pitches of Mohlin, 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 just a kid, but you made me believe that anything was possible. And that was only the beginning.
'At Schalke 04, I grew with you. It was my first time away from home, and I learned to face new challenges, new cultures, and new lessons. You made me stronger, and that growth opened new doors.'
'That's how I arrived at Sevilla FC. And there, I experienced something different. You gave me so much more, you gave me a home. I had the honor of being captain, of lifting my first European trophy, and most importantly, that's where I met the love of my life.'
'Thanks to you, I found my partner, the mother of my daughters. And just when I thought I had lived it all, you surprised me again. Then came Barça.'
'You made me live a dream I wouldn't have dared to imagine. I played alongside the best, lifted trophies, and lived magical nights at Camp Nou. You gave me the privilege of becoming a part of your history.
'But you didn't stop there. You let me return to Sevilla to close the circle, to say thank you, to feel at home once again… and to win again.
Talking about his stint in the Middle East, Rakitic wrote: 'When I least expected it, you took me to a new place with a new rhythm and a new way of experiencing you – Al Shabab. It was a special and proud chapter, where I made lifelong friends.
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'And as if you knew how much it meant to me, you gave me one last unforgettable chapter. Returning to my roots, playing for the first time in Croatia, representing Hajduk Split… It was an experience I'll carry with me forever.
'But above all, you gave me the greatest honor of all. Wearing my country's jersey. Representing Croatia. For a small country like ours, reaching the World Cup final is more than just a sporting achievement, it was an eternal moment, a gift to an entire nation.'
'Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me friends, emotions, joy, and tears. You gave me a whole life, a life I'll carry with pride. Now it's time to say goodbye.
'Because even if I walk away from you, I know you'll never walk away from me. Thank you, football.'
Rakitic spent six years at Barcelona between 2014 and 2020. During that period, he made 310 appearances for the club, scoring 35 goals. He won four La Liga titles, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, two Spanish Super Cups, and four Copa del Rey titles.
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Barça themselves posted a message on social media following Rakitic's announcement, which read as follows.
'Football will miss you, Ivan. We wish you the best in this new stage of your life.'
Farewell, legend!