Ivan Rakitic released a video on Monday announcing the end of his professional career of just twenty years starting today.

Ivan Rakitic, 37, is an outstanding representative of Croatian midfielders. He has played for Basel, Schalke 04, Barcelona, Sevilla, Al Riyadh Young Boys and Hajduk in his career. To date, he has played 887 times at the club level, contributing 125 goals and 141 assists. He has won 1 Swiss Cup, 1 German Cup, 1 Champions League, 1 Club World Cup, 4 La Liga titles, 1 European Super Cup, 4 King's Cup titles, 2 Spanish Super Cup titles and 2 Europa League titles.

Rakitic has also played 106 times for Croatia, scoring 15 goals and providing 16 assists. He has participated in three European Championships (2008, 2012, 2016) and two World Cups (2014, 2018), and won the World Cup runner-up with the team in 2018.

After a 20-year career, Rakitic finally decided to retire. He said in a video: "Dear football, you have been a part of my life since day one. From the small stadium in Merlin, my hometown in Switzerland, to the largest stadium in the world, you have always been with me."

"You gave me my first chance in Basel. I was just a kid, but you made me believe that anything was possible. And that was just the beginning."

"At Schalke 04, I grew up with you. It was my first time away from home, and I learned to face new challenges, adapt to a new culture, and learn from it. You made me stronger, and this growth also opened new doors for me."

"That's how I came to Sevilla. There, I had a whole new experience. I had the honor of becoming captain of the team and lifting my first European trophy in my career. More importantly, I met the love of my life there. Thanks to you, I found my partner, the mother of my daughters. I started my family there. When I thought I had experienced everything, you surprised me again."

"Then I came to Barcelona. You made me realize a dream I never could have imagined. I got to play with the best players in the world, lifted trophies and had magical nights at the Camp Nou. It was an honor to be part of Barca's history. But football didn't stop giving me gifts."

"You brought me back to Sevilla and completed a cycle. I was able to experience the feeling of home and the taste of championship again. Moreover, you have prepared more unexpected surprises for me."

"You brought me to Al Riyadh Youth when I least expected it, introducing me to a new rhythm and new experiences. It was a special and proud chapter, and I made many lifelong friends in Al Riyadh. You also arranged a final unforgettable journey for me: a return to my roots. My first competition in Croatia, playing for Hajduk...an experience that will be etched in my heart forever."

"But most of all, you have given me the greatest honour of all: to wear the shirt of my country and to represent Croatia. For a small country, reaching a World Cup final is not only a sporting achievement, but also a timeless moment and a gift to the entire nation."

"Football, you have given me more than I ever dreamed of. You have given me friends, emotions, joy and tears. You have given me a complete and wonderful life that I will always be proud of."

"Now it's time to say goodbye. Even if I leave football, football will never leave me. Thank you, football. Thank you for everything you have given me."