Ivan Rakitić announces retirement

Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitić has announced he is retiring from playing football.

However, the 37-year-old said Monday that he is not leaving Hajduk. Instead, he's swapping his jersey for a suit and tie as he steps into a management role at the club. Rakitić will work alongside Hajduk's new sporting director, Goran Vučević, helping to shape the club's sporting policy.

After months of speculation, Rakitić made it official in an emotional post on social media. In the video message, Rakitić talks about how football has always been a part of his life. He reflects on his childhood in Möhlin, Switzerland, his days with FC Sevilla and FC Barcelona, his appearances for the Croatian national team, and returning to Croatia to play in his home country for the first time.

“Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me emotions, joy, and tears. You gave me a whole life. A life I will always carry with pride. Now it’s time to say goodbye because even if I walk away, you’ll never walk away from me. Thank you football, Ivan,” says Rakitić in the video.

Rakitić played 323 games for Sevilla and 310 for Barcelona, winning the Champions League and four La Liga titles with Barça. He also made 106 appearances for Croatia before retiring from international football in 2019, a year after helping lead the team to the World Cup final, where Croatia lost to France.