Croatian legend Ivan Rakitic takes off his soccer boots at the age of 37.
Rakitic announced his retirement by posting a farewell video on his personal SNS on the 7th (Korea time). Rakitic said in the video, "Dear football, you have been a part of my life since the day I started playing football. From my hometown of Molin Stadium in Switzerland to the largest stadium in the world, you were always there for me. It gave me my first chance at FC Basel. I was still a child, but you instilled in me the belief that anything was possible. And that was just the beginning. In Schalke04, I grew up with you. I left home for the first time and learned to face new challenges, new cultures. You made me stronger, and the growth opened a new door. That's how he joined Sevilla and experienced something new. You gave me so much more and made me a home. I was honored as a captain, lifted my first European trophy, and most of all, I met the love of my life (wife). Thanks to you, I met my wife and mother of two daughters. You surprised me again when I thought I had achieved everything. Barcelona appeared. You made me realize a dream I never even dared to imagine. Played with the best players, lifted trophies, made me have a magical night in Cam Know. It gave you the honor of being a part of your history. You didn't stop there. You have allowed me to return to Seville to mark the end, to show my appreciation, to feel comfortable like home, to win again"I looked back on my club career.
Rakitic won two European Europa League titles in Seville, and Barcelona won a myriad of titles, including four Spanish Premier League titles and one European Champions League title. He was a key member of Barcelona's treble during the 2014-2015 season. He played 106 A matches for Croatia and scored 15 goals. Rakitic, who is famous for his blonde hair, was a midfielder with both mobility, technique and scoring ability. He built the golden generation of Croatia with Luca Modric (Real Madrid) and Ivan Perisic (Invincible). He wrote the history of being the runner-up at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Rakitic left for Saudi Arabia's al-Shabab in 2024. "The last thing I expected, was that you had taken me to a new place, al-Shabab, in a new way. It was a special and proud chapter for making lifelong friends. As if you knew how much it meant to me, you gave me one last unforgettable chapter. Back to my roots and allowed me to play for Croatia's Haiduk Split. It was an experience I will cherish forever. Most of all, you allowed me to play in my country's uniform. For a country as small as Croatia, advancing to the World Cup final was not just a sporting achievement, but an eternal moment and a gift to the whole nation. Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. Friend, touch, joy and tears. He also gave her a full life. A life that I will be proud of, 'football' expressed my sincere thanks.
"It's time to say goodbye. I know that even if I leave you, you will never leave me. Soccer, thank you. I'll miss you." Rakitic, born in 1987, took off his soccer boots before Modric, born in 1984.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
