Former Barcelona midfielder sends heartfelt message after being inducted to ‘legends list’
Barcelona have their very own ‘Hall of Fame’ list, much like the NBA, which they like to call the ‘Legendary Players’ section on their website under the history segment.
The club often introduces new players to this list after conducting an internal review of their accomplishments at the club, and the merits of the same.
One of the recent additions to this Barcelona Hall of Fame has been Ivan Rakitic.
The Croatian midfielder played for Barcelona from 2014 to 2020 before returning to Sevilla, and famously scored the opening goal of the 2015 Champions League final against Juventus in the 3-1 win.
“Signed from Sevilla FC, Rakitic was already a major star, renowned for his reading of the game, versatility and utter dedication to the cause. He more than lived up to expectations, being one of the finest blaugrana players of his era,” his biography reads out on Barcelona’s page.
Rakitic shares his gratitude
Following the induction, Ivan Rakitic, being the gentleman he has always considered to be through his career, took to Twitter to pay his respect and gratitude to Barcelona for the honour.
What an honor to enter the list of legends of this very special club alongside the great names who have worn its colors.🔵🔴
I would like to thank the @FCBarcelona_es institution for believing in me in the summer of 2014, to the president, the staff, all my teammates, and all… pic.twitter.com/qdeY2bXQaG
— Ivan Rakitic (@ivanrakitic) March 27, 2024
“What an honour to enter the list of legends of this very special club alongside the great names who have worn its colours,” he wrote.
“I would like to thank the Barcelona institution for believing in me in the summer of 2014, to the president, the staff, and all my teammates, and all the clues for their support and all the moments shared.”
A well-deserved honour
While Rakitic has often cut a polarising figure for the Barcelona faithful, who cite his decline his form during the latter stages of his tenure at the club, the Croatian should be considered a certified legend.
Not only was he a consistent starter every single season for Barcelona, but he also played multiple roles and positions during this time, often being deployed as the deepest midfielder and sometimes as the no. 10.
He also has a fair share of iconic moments at the club, including the Champions League final goal, the curler against Real Madrid in 2017, and the banger volley against Tottenham Hotspur, among much more.
Not to forget, he clocked up more than 300 appearances for the team during these six seasons, which is an absurd number for any player.
