Ivan Rakitić: 'Never forget to enjoy football'

In this exclusive interview, the UEFA Champions League and two-time UEFA Europa League champion discusses the end of his playing career, his advice for the next generation and the power of football to help connect people all over the world.

Ivan, congratulations on a wonderful career. How did you know it was the right time to finish playing?

There is never a good moment! It was not a decision from one day to the next, it went slowly during last season, and I just understood that maybe the moment is now for me to just take a step back, to give time to other important things in my life, like my family. I could just understand in the last few games and weeks that maybe it's the right moment, and like that, in a natural way, it was the time for me to make this decision.

Is there one standout memory you can choose?

It's too difficult to pick out one moment, because I'm so happy that for more or less 20 years, it was the centre of my life. I really appreciate what football has given me, and this is amazing. That's why I'm so proud.

But to pick out a few moments – there is my first official game, my first Champions League game, then of course, all the big titles I won with Sevilla and Barcelona, and, of course, my time with the national team. There are so many amazing and special moments, which mean I really can always be proud and happy with my career.

Celebrating UEFA Champions League success with Barcelona in 2015Getty Images News and Sport

You were born in Switzerland and played club football in Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Croatia – is there anywhere else you wished you played?

Yes, I missed playing in Italy, in Serie A. For me, the Italian football, the daily life, and the Italian people are very, very special. So, this is something, if I can pick out something in my career that maybe I would change, it would be to have one season in Italy.

Now, it's amazing to see my friend Luka Modrić there with AC Milan. Also, I think it's important for Italian football, to have this power to bring important European players back to Serie A. Hopefully the people in Milan, or even in the whole of Italy, can enjoy watching Luka.

What’s the best advice you ever received during your career – and what would you pass on to the next generation?

The best advice was to try to be happy and enjoy football in every moment. This is what I want to give to all young players, also now in my position with Hajduk Split. Never forget that this is a game that you have to enjoy.

Of course, there are many more details – you have to work hard, you have to give so many things, but if you are not happy, if you can't enjoy the game, then all this effort will be for nothing. So never forget to be happy, smile and just enjoy football. We are so lucky to be able to do this every morning.

Rakitić meets Loukia, who is blind, ahead of the 2023 UEFA Super Cup match in GreeceUEFA via Getty Images

Is there a secret to Croatia's success when it comes to nurturing talent?

I don't know. Sometimes it's better not to try and explain, but just to continue the good work! This is a question I have been asked many times, but it's difficult to answer. I think there is a pride and a love for our country, and so not just in football but also other sports, athletes try their best to compete and be at the highest level. This is something that here in Croatia is really appreciated.

How have you found the transition from player into your new technical role with Hajduk Split?

It's a new world, and quite different from being a player. The best part of your career is on the pitch and not in the office, but this role is good, and I can try to help the young players. We have an amazing young generation, so many talented young guys, and my motivation is to try to give something back, so I'm happy to be to be part of it.

You're studying for the UEFA Academy's Executive Master for International Players (UEFA MIP). How much do courses like this help prepare for a career off the pitch once your playing days end?

These courses are very important, and we players have to go for it. I also studied both the UEFA Certificate in Football Management and the UEFA Career Transition Programme, and I'm so happy and proud that UEFA can give us these opportunities. And that's why I started really early, just to be a step in front of the rest.

There's not one perfect way for everyone, we are all different, and I can also understand that there are many players who after their career don't want to stay in football, and this is also OK. I would just say that if you want to be ready, you should do something because there are no gifts, you must be motivated and you have to move, to learn, to improve, and to get the right skills for the position that you want.

I was able, directly after my career, to take this opportunity with Hajduk. Normally it's not possible, because we are not ready, and there are many things to learn and understand, but the UEFA courses really help me prepare.

You have to understand that you are not a player anymore, which can be really hard, and that in this new job, you have to give your attention to help others. if you have the right motivation, you can do it, because there is nobody that can explain better what happens in in the football world than players with our experience, and this is something we can give back to the next generation.

In study mode with fellow UEFA MIP students

You recently became a board member of the UEFA Foundation for Children, after several years as an ambassador. Can you tell us about that commitment to helping young people?

As a father, I really understand how important it is to see your kids happy, so while I still was active as a player, I attended some matches with the Foundation, and enjoyed meeting some of the children they are helping through their projects.

Now, as a part of the board, I'm there to take decisions and I hope to get really involved and do some travels, so that I can spend time with more of the kids. They are why I take this responsibility, to give something more back. Children are our world and through the Foundation, we can really help them in their lives.

The Foundation does some unbelievable work and I would like to congratulate them, the connection between kids and football is just fantastic, and it makes me very proud to be a part of it.