Former Barcelona and Croatia player Ivan Rakitić has announced his retirement from football.

Taking to his social media platform, Instagram on Monday, July 7, the midfielder revealed that he is hanging up his boots at the age of 37.

The message read, "Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine"

"Now it is time to enjoy you from another perspective, to live with you the same passion, with an always grateful heart, from the stands, from the offices, from home, or wherever life takes me"

"You gave me victories, defeats, lessons and friends for life. You gave me a unique path and a thousand stories to tell. You gave me a beautiful family and moments that I will carry forever in my heart".

The Croatian has played for about seven teams since 2004 until this year when he announced his retirement.

Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents on March 10, 1988, in Möhlin, Rakitić began his career with local team FC Basel before joining German side Schalke 04 in 2007.

After four years, he moved to Sevilla in 2011, where he met his now wife, for the first of two spells with the Spanish side, which bookended six hugely successful years at Barcelona.

He won thirteen trophies during his stint with Barca, including four LaLiga titles, four Copas del Rey and one Champions League.

He had a successful stint with Croatia, making 106 appearances and contributing 35 goals and 42 assists over 310 matches.

He retired from international football in 2019, a year after helping his country reach the World Cup final, where they lost to France.

At Sevilla, meanwhile, he won two UEFA Europa League titles.

"With Sevilla, I discovered a second home and found the love of my life," he said. "My daughter was born in that city, and I won my first major title. We cried together and celebrated with passion. Sevilla is eternal.

"Barcelona gave me everything. It's the club of my dreams. I achieved all my goals there, playing with the best players in the world and winning everything as a team.

"With Croatia, we made history. From our first game together in 2007 to the 2018 World Cup Final, where we made millions dream and feel proud of their roots.

Sharing a dressing room with my national teammates has been one of the greatest gifts of my career."