Ivan Rakitić left Split after two years and returned to Seville with his family. At an emotional farewell gathering at the Bovan tavern, he thanked his friends and announced he would continue as Hajduk's ambassador.
Former Hajduk footballer Ivan Rakitić (38) bid farewell to numerous friends in Split on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and departed for Seville, where his family will continue their life. The farewell gathering at the Bovan tavern in the heart of the city was exceptionally emotional, with the 38-year-old Rakitić, eyes filled with tears, thanking everyone who had made his two years in Dalmatia so memorable. An emotional video of the farewell was also published on the 24sata portal, showing just how difficult the parting was for him.
Rakitić recalled his first days in Split and admitted he was greeted by an incredibly positive atmosphere. "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," he said, visibly moved. He emphasized that it all comes down to emotions and the place where one feels at home, and he felt that in Split from day one. "There were many stories about who I am, what I am, and where I'm from, but in the end, it all comes down to the fact that you're from where you feel good and where your emotions tie you. I've felt that in Split from the very first day. Thank you to my kum for introducing me to you and giving me the chance to be part of you and your hearts. Don't hold anything against me," he told those gathered.
He particularly highlighted how impressed he was with Hajduk as a club. "From today's perspective, I can say I was very pleasantly surprised by what awaited me in Split, but even more so when I realized the level Hajduk is at on the European football map, how much it is respected regardless of results, and with how much positive emotion it is experienced," he explained. It was precisely that, along with the warm reception, that made him agree to be the club's ambassador and continue helping as much as he can.
In his address, he specifically referred to his kum Marko Bralić Keta, the man who had persuaded him for years to come to Split and ultimately succeeded. "I know I owe my kum because I promised him a 'cup,' unfortunately the 'cup' didn't come to Poljud, but I fought as much as I knew and could," Rakitić admitted, referring to the trophy he failed to win with Hajduk. Nevertheless, he stressed that he remains at the disposal of the club and everyone, and invited friends to visit Seville: "As for Hajduk, I'm still at the disposal of the club and all of you. Come to Seville whenever you can; I'll be glad to host you."
His kum did not hide his emotions and, with a touch of humor, commented on the parting: "I don't know if I was happier on the day you came to Hajduk or the day you're leaving, ha, ha, ha..." He added a more serious note: "These were two crazy years, but two years I'll remember forever. Thanks, brother, good luck, and see you soon."
Although the family is moving to Seville, where they are building a new house that will once again be their main base, Rakitić emphasized that Split remains their second home. "My wife told me the other day that she feels like a Dalmatian woman, 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 starts," he revealed. He also promised frequent visits to Split and long stays in the city under Marjan, saying: "Rest assured, we'll come to Split often and stay for a long time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart; don't hold anything against me. I have to take care of my children and my wife. Thanks to my kum and kuma, we'll be here for you whatever you need."
At the end of his speech, when his kum remarked that he had forgotten something, he strongly declared: "Yes, Hajduk lives forever! Forever..."
After the farewell, Rakitić also revealed his professional plans. "I've started my education; I'm interested in working in sports management, and I'll definitely continue," he said, adding that he is aware the process is more complicated in some countries than in others. He also confirmed that he had serious offers from clubs for a role, but family and education are currently his top priorities.
"Everything is going its course; there's no need to rush anywhere. I thanked them for the offers; family comes first, then education, and the time for club work will come. I'm sure offers will keep coming," he concluded. Split entrepreneur Tomislav Mamić, who along with Bralić was most responsible for Rakitić's arrival at Hajduk, also made a brief appearance at the gathering.
