Ivan Rakitic receives hero’s welcome as the former Barcelona star joins Hajduk Split so he can ‘give something back to Croatia’ after terminating his deal with Saudi side Al-Shabab
- The experienced midfielder has agreed by mutual consent to terminate his contract with Al-Shabab
- He has joined Hajduk Split on a one-year contract with an option for a second contract.
- Rakitic was seen holding the club’s scarf aloft in front of thousands of fans
Ivan Rakitic was welcomed by thousands of supporters after being unveiled at Croatian club Hajduk Split.
The former Barcelona star was a free agent after they mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Al-Shabab, having only signed for the club in January.
The 36-year-old has given up the millions he would earn in the lucrative Saudi Pro League for a move to his home country, where he will play for the first time in his career.
Rakitic, a legend at Spanish club Sevilla, said he made the move to pursue “a unique opportunity”.
At his unveiling at Hajduk Split he said: ‘I was given the chance to give something back for everything Croatia has given me in the most beautiful checked shirt.’
Ivan Rakitic has left the Saudi Pro League to join Croatian team Hajduk Split on a one-year deal
Rakitic received a hero’s welcome from thousands of fans as he held up the club scarf
Fans lit flares with smoke covering the fans who had turned up to see the Croatian legend
Videos have gone viral showing the club’s supporters welcoming him.
Rakitic walks out of the stadium holding the club scarf aloft, after which the camera focuses on thousands of fans who have greeted him.
Fans were clearly excited to see their new arrival, with many lighting flares and smoke billowing into the air.
The Croatian midfielder waved to fans who cheered him as he entered the pitch and began chanting.
Rakitic left Sevilla in January, where he was vice-captain during his second spell at the club.
His contract with the club expired in the summer and together they negotiated an early exit so they could reduce their wage bill.
Al-Shabab, which includes former Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco, finished eighth in the Saudi Pro League last season.
Rakitic ended his second spell at Sevilla in January to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab
Rakitic achieved his best success at Barcelona, โโwhere he won 13 trophies in six seasons
Rakitic played only eight games for the club as a muscle injury kept him out for almost two months.
He is best known for his time at Barcelona, โโwhere he made over 300 appearances and won the La Liga title four times, the Copa del Rey four times and the Champions League in 2015.
Rakitic also played 106 times for Croatia, but he retired from international duty four years ago.
