The player who was a star at FC Barcelona, triumphed with his national team, and has now announced his retirement.

Veteran midfielder Ivan Rakitic has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37. The Croatian international confirmed his decision with a message shared on his social media platforms, marking the end of a decorated career that spanned over two decades across various top European clubs.

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Rakitic's journey in professional football began in his native Switzerland with FC Basel, where he rose through the youth ranks before making his senior debut. His talent quickly became apparent, leading to a move to Germany's Schalke 04 in 2007. There, he continued to develop, showcasing his versatility and strong technical abilities in the Bundesliga.

His career truly soared upon his transfer to Spain's Sevilla FC in 2011. It was in Andalusia that Rakitic cemented his reputation as a world-class midfielder. He became a pivotal figure for Sevilla, leading them to two UEFA Europa League titles. His leadership and midfield prowess in these campaigns earned him significant recognition across Europe.

In 2014, Rakitic made a highly anticipated move to FC Barcelona, one of the biggest clubs in the world. His time at Camp Nou was marked by immense success, where he seamlessly integrated into Barcelona's renowned midfield. With the Catalan giants, he added a prestigious UEFA Champions League title to his collection, forming a formidable partnership in the center of the park alongside legendary figures. During his tenure at Barcelona, he accumulated numerous domestic titles, further solidifying his legacy as a winner.

After a successful stint at Barcelona, he returned to Sevilla for a second spell before making a move to the Saudi Pro League, where he joined Al-Shabab. His experience in Saudi Arabia marked a new chapter in his career, providing a different challenge in a growing football league.

His final professional club was HNK Hajduk Split in Croatia, a move that brought him back to his roots. Now, following his retirement from playing, Rakitic is set to transition into a new role within the club, taking up a management position at Hajduk Split. This move suggests a continued passion for the sport and a desire to contribute from a different perspective.

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Throughout his illustrious career, Ivan Rakitic amassed an impressive 16 titles. Among his most notable achievements are the aforementioned Champions League title with Barcelona and his two Europa League triumphs with Sevilla, highlighting his consistent success at the highest levels of club football. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of football's most respected and decorated midfielders.