PSG's odd man out Barcola would be a star at Bayern

RIP Diogo Jota: You'll never walk alone

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Can chaotic & cursed France really win Euro 2025?

CWC Power Rankings: Draw opens up for Chelsea

Editors' Picks

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Pachuca vs Salzburg: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Monterrey vs Inter: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Seat Unique names founding partner of Hill Dickinson Stadium 

Man City outcast Walker reassured over pace questions & future

Newlyweds Dyer & Bowen do not fear famous Strictly ‘curse’

Man City warned off transfer gamble on free agent Pogba 

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Former Barcelona and Sevilla player retires</li><li>Represented his country in two World Cups</li><li>Will now work in a technical role in Croatia</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Ivan Rakitic takes on new role at former club after ex-Barcelona and Sevilla star announces retirement

<p>Former Barcelona and Sevilla player Rakitic is all set to remain at Hajduk Split as the assistant to new sporting director Goran Vucevic. Rakitic’s decision to retire was not announced by the player, but rather Hajduk manager Gonzalo Garcia, who expressed appreciation for the Croatian following his role in bringing the Spaniard to the club.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>"Rakitic is ending his career," the coach told <a href="https://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/rubrika/nogomet/garcia-potvrdio-rakitic-zavrsio-karijeru-evo-koji-ce-mu-biti-sljedeci-korak---921958.html" target="_blank"><em>Dnevnika NoveTV</em></a>. "He is extremely intelligent, has good ideas and understands football very well. He is going through a difficult period now because the transition from the locker room to the suit is not easy. That is, as I say, the dark side of football. But he called me and in a way he is responsible for me being at Hajduk today."</p>

WHAT GARCIA SAID

<p>Rakitic, 37, started his career from Basel’s youth setup in Switzerland, and went on to play for the senior team before shifting base to Schalke. Later on, he went on to represent Sevilla in La Liga before Barcelona decided to sign him in 2014. Six years later, he returned to Sevilla before a brief spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab, which was followed by a return to his homeland with Hajduk Split. He recorded two goals and five assists across 39 matches across all competitions.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>After bringing his playing career to an end, Rakitic will now start his tenure as a technical staff member at Hajduk Split. He is expected to play a key role in the sporting decisions of the club in the upcoming days.
</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR RAKITIC?

Ivan Rakitic takes on new role at former club after ex-Barcelona and Sevilla star announces retirement | Goal.com

Ivan Rakitic ended his playing career at Hajduk Split on July 1 and has now shifted to a technical role at the Croatian outfit.