Ivan Rakitic was greeted by thousands of enthusiastic supporters as he was unveiled at Croatian club Hajduk Split. The former Barcelona midfielder became a free agent after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Al-Shabab, which he had joined in January. At 36, Rakitic has chosen to forgo the lucrative earnings of the Saudi Pro League to return to his homeland, marking the first time he will play in Croatia.
Rakitic, a revered figure at Sevilla, described his move as a pursuit of “a unique opportunity.” During his unveiling at Hajduk Split, he expressed his gratitude, stating, “I got the opportunity to give something back, for everything Croatia has given to me in the most beautiful, checkered shirt.”.
