New Delhi: Former Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has announced the decision to hang up his football boots at the age of 37. After spending his final seasons playing in the Saudi Pro League and Hadjuk Split back in Croatia, he called curtains to his playing days, bringing an end to a brilliant career that included spells at Schalke 04, Sevilla, and FC Barcelona.
"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,” said Rakitic in a farewell letter to football.
The 27-year-old Croatian player joined Barca in the summer of 2014 from Sevilla and became part of a team that conquered European football. IANS
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