Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37.
Rakitic started his career at FC Basel in Switzerland before moving on to join Schalke 04 in Germany.
He made a name for himself in 2014 when he led Sevilla to the Europa League trophy. He also enjoyed a successful spell at Barcelona between 2014 and 2020.
The Croatian made the announcement with a post on social media on Monday, bringing an end to an illustrious career which lasted for 20 years.
He wrote, “Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine.
“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 an 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,” he said. “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.”
At Barcelona, Rakitic won 13 trophies, including four La Liga titles, four Copas del Rey, and one Champions League.
Internationally, he earned 106 caps for Croatia and was instrumental in their run to the 2018 World Cup final, scoring decisive penalties in the Round of 16 against Denmark and the quarter-final against Russia.
Rakitić ended his career after a short spell at his boyhood club, Hajduk Split, back in his homeland.
