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Rakitic was once one of the best midfielders in the world . |
The news was confirmed by Hajduk Split coach Gonzalo García on Nova TV: “Rakitic has ended his playing career.” Signs of this decision were evident on May 19, after the match against Rijeka. Rakitic sat silently on the bench, his eyes red, although he later reassured fans that there had been no official announcement.
However, after Hajduk's contract expired in early July and was not renewed, his future gradually became uncertain.
Despite not being able to help Hajduk win the title in his first season back home, Rakitic still left a deep professional mark with 39 appearances, 2 goals and 5 assists. More importantly, he brought quality, experience and a huge influence in the dressing room - something that coach García also admitted: "Part of the reason I'm here today is because of him."
Without leaving football, Rakitic will move into a management role, taking on the position of assistant sports director at Hajduk, supporting Goran Vucevic in operations. Coach García highly appreciates his former student's tactical acumen and football thinking: "He is intelligent, has many good ideas. But the transition from the field to the office is not simple."
Rakitic ended his playing career with a huge list of achievements: 1 Swiss Cup, 1 German Cup, 2 UEFA Europa League, 1 Champions League, 1 European Super Cup, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, 4 La Liga, 4 Spanish King's Cup and many other titles. He played a total of 633 matches in La Liga, scored 86 goals and had 105 assists - a number that showed a stable level for more than a decade.
From Basel to Sevilla, the peak at Barcelona, and the end in Hajduk - Rakitic's playing journey has come to an end. Now, he is preparing to write a new chapter, no longer with playing boots, but with a director's suit, bringing with him experience and a desire to contribute to Croatian football.
Source: https://znews.vn/rakitic-gio-ra-sao-post1565635.html
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