IVAN RAKITIC SAYS GOODBYE: "IT HAS BEEN AN HONOUR AND A PRIVILEGE"

Ivan Rakitic said his goodbyes to the club at midday on Tuesday. In a very emotional farewell, the Croatian watched a video of his best moments in the shirt, as well as clips of former teammates and coaches from his career. After captain, Jesús Navas, and president, José María del Nido Carrasco, took the floor, Rakitic dedicated his final message to the supporters, at times unable to hold back the tears.

"Today is a day that we would all like to get done quickly and move on. I have received many kind words and a lot of affection in recent days, but for me the most important thing is the memories we share that will live on. It has been seven years where I have felt loved here. Sometimes you have to understand that eras come to an end, even if it hurts. If there is any way to repay all this support it is with those trophies beside me, and Sevilla FC has a few!" 

"I may be leaving, but I'll be back again. It won't be on the field because I'm not getting any younger, but I will be here."

"I was born in Switzerland, to a Croatian family, but my home is here in Seville. Now I have to leave, but I'll be back. It won't be on the pitch because I'm not getting any younger, but I'm determined to return in some capacity. I will continue watching from afar and support the team through this difficult season, but I'm sure everything will go smoothly. I will wear the shirt in places across the world to show what it means to be a Sevillista. Nothing compares," insisted Rakitic.

After finishing his farewell speech, Rakitic also answered questions from the media: "I am so grateful. This isn't just a football club or a city, it's my home. I am the same person I was when I arrived, I still do the things I like and have the same way of life. However, I walk away having grown up and as a man who can say with pride that I have played for the biggest team. I don't fully understand why I'm leaving because I want to stay and help, but here we are. That has always been my thought and it's still hard for me to process that I'm not going to set foot in the Sánchez-Pizjuán any more.

"It hurts my heart to be leaving at this moment, but that's natural"

"The memories I've made here will stay with me forever and I will treasure all the times I've been able to be on the pitch with my family. It has been our second home and I will never forget my time here. It pains me to leave with the team in a difficult situation, but my love for the club will never change, and I wish the team all the best. Telling my wife that we were leaving was not easy; we both love the club eternally."

He finished by saying "I believe that stepping aside is the right thing for the club. The team's needs must come first and that will always be the priority. So for this reason I am making this move."