Barcelona sends message to former midfielder as he announces his retirement | OneFootball

As a club, FC Barcelona remains respected by and engages regularly with their former players. Even as the club continues to excel on the pitch with their brilliant new generation, the club’s history is never forgotten. For Barcelona, creating that bridge between their past and future has always been important, whether through messages or even matches involving club legends.

Ivan Rakitic announces his retirement

Ivan Rakitic previously played for FC Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

It is exactly because of those positive relations that even former players continue to speak highly of the club and praise the new youngsters even today. However, that respect goes both ways, and Barcelona also makes sure to let it be known that they value their icons and former players.

Recently, former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic announced his official retirement from the sport. The Croatian midfielder played for La Blaugrana between 2014 and 2020, enjoying a successful time at the club in the process as he won numerous titles.

Barcelona sends a heartfelt message

Now, as conveyed through the official FC Barcelona social media accounts, the club has sent a classy message to their former midfielder in light of this big decision for him:

“Football will miss you, Ivan. We wish you the best in this new stage of your life.”

This message, albeit short and sweet, continues to highlight the great relationship the club still maintains with the Croatian midfielder. Since leaving the Catalan club, he has played for his own former club Sevilla, before joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab and then Hajduk Split in Croatia.

However, the best part of his career was undoubtedly at Barcelona. While at the club, he won four La Liga titles, one UEFA Champions League title, four Copa del Rey titles, two Spanish Super Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.