End of an era!: Ivan Rakitic announces retirement from professional football as tributes pour in

Ivan Rakitic calls it a day to his footballing career. (Image credits - Flickr)

Croatian international and former Barcelona midfield maestro Ivan Rakitic has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37, with the news instilling nostalgia within the footballing community.

Rakitic burst onto the scene by rising through the ranks of renowned Swiss club FC Basel, later on becoming one of the most important members of a Champions League-winning FC Barcelona team in 2015.

Ivan did struggle during the final stages of his career, with his move to Saudi club Al Shabab failing, which forced him to return to Croatia to play for his hometown club, Hadjuk Split, in what was the final chapter of his career.

The streets of Barcelona won't forget Ivan Rakitic

As reported by ESPN, the 37-year-old Croatian made a social media post to announce the decision, where he stated, "Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine. You gave me victories, defeats, lessons, and friends for life." (sic)

He further added, "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." (sic)

Ivan's post clearly highlighted his love and passion towards the game, where he tried to provide a brief depiction of all the experiences he enjoyed during his career, which certainly didn't go unnoticed as fans and players poured in tributes for him.

Rakitic further expressed, "With Sevilla, I found a second home and the love of my life." 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." (sic)

There is no doubt that Ivan Rakitic was one of the most elegant and technical midfielders of this generation, and the streets of Croatia, Barcelona, and Sevilla will never forget his contributions to our beautiful game.