Rakitić Leaves Split: After Two Years in Dalmatia, He Returns to Andalusia
Former Croatian international Ivan Rakitić is moving back to Sevilla with his wife Raquel and daughters Althea and Adara after two years in Split.
Former Croatian international Ivan Rakitić is moving back to Sevilla with his wife Raquel and daughters Althea and Adara after two years in Split.
Ivan Rakitić (38), former captain of the Croatian national team, surprised the public with his decision to return to Spain. After living and playing in Split for two years, he and his family are moving back to Seville, the city where he spent a significant part of his career and where his roots lie.
According to information from the 24sata portal, Rakitić emotionally said goodbye to close acquaintances he met during his time in Split before leaving. At the Bovan tavern in Split, he thanked everyone for their warm welcome and emphasized that his family enjoyed life at the foot of Marjan.
Reflecting on his time at Hajduk, he admitted that it pains him that he didn't win any trophies with the club. Despite that, he stressed that he gave his all and that he will continue to be at the club's disposal, but in the role of ambassador.
At the farewell, he especially thanked his best man, Marko Bralić Keta, who played a key role in his arrival at Poljud. "I know I owe my best man because I promised him a 'cup,' unfortunately the 'cup' didn't come to Poljud," said Rakitić, referring to the championship title that eluded him.
With tears in his eyes, Rakitić said: "The two years I spent in Split flew by in an instant. I thank you on behalf of my family, my wife, and my children; you made us feel like one of you. There were many stories about who I am, what I am, where I'm from... and in the end, it all comes down to the fact that you're from where you feel good and where emotions bind you. And I've felt that in Split from the very first day."
Rakitić explained that the family is moving due to school obligations and other commitments, but he emphasized that they will visit Split often. "We're going to Seville, which is our home, but Split is also our home. My wife told me the other day that she feels like a Dalmatian, the kids wanted to stay here as long as possible, and we stayed an extra five days, which was the maximum, because we have a lot to sort out before the school year begins... But rest assured, we will come to Split often and stay for a long time," said Rakitić.
His wife Raquel Mauri (36) and daughters Althea and Adara moved to Split in July 2024, after previously living in Seville. In that city, Rakitić spent the majority of his career, met his wife, and started a family, so returning there is a logical choice. As reported by 24sata, the family is building a new house there.
After leaving Split, Rakitić plans to dedicate more time to his family and to studying for a career in sports management. Although he has several offers from reputable clubs, he doesn't want to rush a decision about continuing his career.
Rakitić said he will continue to help Hajduk and stated: "Hajduk lives forever! Forever..." He added: "From today's perspective, I can say that I was very pleasantly surprised by what awaited me in Split, but even more so when I realized the level of Hajduk as a club on the European football map, how much it is appreciated regardless of results, and with how much positive emotion it is experienced. That's one of the reasons I agreed to be the club's ambassador and to continue helping as much as I can."
He played for Seville in two stints: from 2011 to 2014 and from 2020 to early 2024. In total, he played 323 matches for that club, scored 51 goals, and recorded 63 assists, also winning two Europa League titles. He arrived at Hajduk in the summer of 2024, and after his playing career, he stayed on as technical director. He left that position at the beginning of July this year but will continue as the club's ambassador.
