Ivan Rakitic, the former Croatia midfielder renowned for his time with Barcelona and Sevilla, has officially retired from professional football at the age of 37.
The veteran announced his decision on Monday through a heartfelt message shared on social media, reflecting on a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Football, you gave me more than I ever imagined. You gave me friendships, emotions, happiness and heartache, Rakitic wrote in a farewell letter. Now it's time to part ways. Even if I leave you, I know you'll never leave me. Thank you, football - for everything.
Rakitic began his senior career with Swiss side FC Basel before joining Schalke 04 in Germany. He later became a key figure at Sevilla, where he won two UEFA Europa League titles, and at Barcelona, where he was part of the clubs treble-winning squad in 2015.
Internationally, he earned 106 caps for Croatia and played a crucial role in the teams run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where they were beaten by France.