Official: Ivan Rakitić calls time on his career

Former FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitić has announced his retirement from professional football.

The Croatian international midfielder, Ivan Rakitić, has just revealed his decision to hang up his boots. The ex-midfielder of FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC is stepping away from the game after spending his final season at Hajduk Split.

The 2018 World Cup finalist made the announcement in a heartfelt message shared on his Instagram account, where he thanked all the fans and the clubs he represented throughout his career.

"Football has given me everything, and even more than I ever hoped for. Friends, emotions, joy, and sadness. It's a part of my life that I will always carry with pride. But now, it's time to say goodbye. Thank you, football!" he wrote in his letter.

According to AS, the former Croatian international is preparing to embark on a new chapter: he will become the assistant sporting director at Hajduk Split, working alongside Goran Vucevic, who was recently appointed to the club's board of directors.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.