Announced retirement! Rakitic looks back on his career: I will leave Seve when a team like Barcelona invites me

Croatian midfielder Rakitic announced his retirement, and he then reviewed his career with an interview with the media.

Talking about retirement

"This day is different, but I feel very happy and proud. I am grateful for everything I have experienced and now look forward to a new chapter. Although this decision was not achieved overnight, my heart told me that it was the right choice. Today I received blessings from all over the world, and my phone was charging so as not to miss any message."

Talking about his time in Seville

"How Monchi is happy I was greeted, and that night I met my wife. At that time I wanted to experience a whole new life, and the timing was just right. It felt so wonderful to fit in and be part of a big family in a brand new environment. "

" The most exciting moment in my career was probably when I held up the trophy in Turin. It wasn't an easy season, we were able to enter the European war through miracles and finally win the game that way... The unity of that team is unparalleled and full of joy every day. That season is memorable. "

mentions the late teammate Reyes

"I have a close relationship with him. He always says we will win. He is unique and even if you are in a low mood, he can make you laugh. Holding a cup with him means a lot to me, just like a brother, I know that no matter where he is, I will be with me." "

Speaking of the experience of being Captain Sevilla, "It is impossible to describe the feeling of being Captain Sevilla, I am the second foreign captain after Maradona. That year was full of changes, but I took on this responsibility with great enthusiasm. These experiences hold an important position in my heart "

Talking about transferring to Barcelona and returning to Sevilla

"I will leave Sevilla only when an opportunity like Barcelona appears. I have always been very clear about what I want to do and hope to come back to create more history for the club. I told Jesus that we are still short of a trophy not to win together, everything has its reasons. I want to go back to this home again, and the trust of the club made me feel a sense of belonging."

"When we started talking about returning, I didn't tell my wife until everything settled. What pushed me back was the desire for here, and I knew we would agree."

About national team career

" appeared in the 2018 World Cup final... More than 100 games, 13 years... Full of emotions. I have to choose between Switzerland and Croatia, and it is the heart that guides the direction. Although we did not win the most important trophy, we won the hearts of the world. "

Summary of our career

"I am very satisfied and proud. Now I can't wait to watch the game as a fan, support my team of Sevilla and enjoy stress-free football. Although I was not born here, I will die as a Sevilla. Thanks to football, thanks to all. Life in the future will be How about it, let's wait and see."

"I hope people can remember the happy times I brought, see my goals or assists, or have kids wearing jerseys with my name in a few years. Children are the most important to me, hoping to leave a mark in the new generation. I used to be a football-loving kid who fell in love with Sevilla. It's hard to pick the best moments, but in the final against Benfica, I felt extremely strong; and the same was true when I played for Croatia in the 2022 World Cup."