- The veteran midfielder mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Al-Shabab
- He has joined Hajduk Split on a one-year contract with the option for a second.
- Rakitic was seen holding the club’s scarf in front of thousands of fans
Thousands of fans greeted Ivan Rakitic after his presentation at the Croatian club Hajduk Split.
The former Barcelona star became a free agent after mutually agreeing to end his contract with Al-Shabab, whom he joined in January.
The 36-year-old has given up the millions he would earn in the lucrative Saudi Pro League to move to his home country, where he will play for the first time in his career.
Rakitic, who is a legend at Spanish club Sevilla, said he made the move to take advantage of “a unique opportunity.”
Speaking at his presentation for Hajduk Split, he said: “I had the chance to give something back, for everything Croatia has given me, by wearing the most beautiful checked shirt.”
Ivan Rakitic has left the Saudi Pro League to join Croatian side Hajduk Split on a one-year contract.
Rakitic was greeted like a hero by thousands of fans as he held up the club’s scarf.
Fans threw flares and smoke covered the supporters who had come to see the Croatian legend.
Videos of the club’s fans welcoming him to the club have gone viral.
Rakitic is seen leaving the pitch with the club’s scarf, which he raises in the air, before the camera pans to thousands of fans who have greeted him.
Fans were obviously excited to see their new signing, with many lighting flares and smoke rising into the air.
The Croatian midfielder greeted the fans who applauded him when he came on and began chanting.
Rakitic left Sevilla, where he was vice-captain in his second spell at the club, in January.
His contract with the club was due to end in the summer and together they negotiated an early exit in order to reduce his wage bill.
Al-Shabab, who boast former Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco in their ranks, finished eighth in the Saudi Pro League last season.
Rakitic only played eight games for the club due to a muscle injury keeping him out for almost two months.
Rakitic ended his second spell at Sevilla in January to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab.
Rakitic enjoyed his greatest successes with Barcelona, โโwhere he won 13 trophies in six seasons.
He is best remembered for his time at Barcelona, โโwhere he made over 300 appearances and won four LaLiga titles, four Copa del Reys and the Champions League in 2015.
Rakitic has also played 106 times for Croatia, although he retired from the national team four years ago.
