DEL NIDO CARRASCO: "RAKITIC PROVED THAT SECOND HALVES DON'T HAVE TO BE BAD!"

Our president, José María del Nido Carrasco, also dedicated a few words to Ivan Rakitic at his farewell ceremony: "I can say little more about him as a player, because I think that practically everything has already been said. The Spanish dictionary says that a legend is a person or thing that is greatly admired and remembered despite the passing of time. If we had a club dictionary, it would be defined simply as 'Ivan Rakitic.' Ivan, you have been one of the greatest players in the history of Sevilla FC."

I could tell many stories about Ivan. As you all know, he is Sevilla through and through and, when he arrived, couldn't have imagined what he would go on to achieve here. He became one of us, accustomed to the traditions here, he met his wife, raised a beautiful family here....Ivan always watched Sevilla matches [after he left to FC Barcelona in 2014] and one day, after the match, he got in touch while watching a Real Madrid-Sevilla FC match. He began to tell me that, in the future, we could do with a midfielder with personality, experience, a good long shot, a good set-piece.... I jokingly told him that his name could be Ivan and his surname could be Rakitic. Indeed, he did return and we won the Europa League again together. Ivan broke the myth that second halves could never be good. As president and as a fan of this club, I would like to thank you for everything. I have thoroughly enjoyed knowing you as a person and you are a great professional. As you know, Sevilla is your city and Sevilla FC is your home. Best of luck and as I have always told you, God gives his most difficult battles to his best warriors. You are one of the greatest warriors in the history of Sevilla FC. Thank you very much," he concluded.

Navas: "Lifting the UEFA Cup with you in Budapest was one of the most incredible things I have experienced as a footballer."

Earlier, his teammate and friend, Jesús Navas, offered his own tribute: "Today marks a historic moments in the history of Sevilla FC. Today we say goodbye to our rock; an unforgettable player and incredible person. You know that I'm not a fan of public speaking, but today I have to make an exception, given what you have done for this team. As a child who would watch and idolise the great Davor Suker, I couldn't imagine that I would be standing here alongside another Croatian legend. A player who has won it all, a legend of his time. It brings me joy to play alongside you. I remember when you arrived 13 years ago, with little fuss or attention. Within months, you became one of us, largely thanks to your dear family. With your embracing of our culture and your exceptional footballing quality, you have become an icon of this club. As a fan, I watched that final in Turin, where you led us to glory as captain, the first foreign captain since Diego Armando Maradona."

"Last time, you left in tears for a new experience, but like me, you came back to give your all again. Lifting the Europa League with you in Budapest was one of the most incredible things I've experienced as a player. But, above all, one of the most deserved. Like you, I know what it's like to return home with the goal of becoming a champion again with the club you love. A footballer of your level, the foreign player with the most appearances here, deserved to win a major trophy again with the club of his heart. That's why we were so happy in Budapest and that night you got what you deserved, my friend. I thank you as a Sevilla fan for all you have given us, both on and off the field, representing the club with class and elegance. And as a teammate and senior player, I thank you for your commitment, your leadership, your empathy and your dedication. And your smile, even when things are going badly. That smile, that even in the most turbulent moments, has made us calm. From captain to captain, Ivan Rakitic, you are a legend of Sevilla FC. It has been a pleasure to have played with you all these years. Thank you for everything, my friend," said Navas in closing.