Europa League winners Sevilla have confirmed the re-signing of Ivan Rakitic from FC Barcelona on a four-year contract.
Rakitic will line up once again for Sevilla six years after leaving Andalusia for Barcelona in a €18m transfer in 2014.
The Croatian midfielder enjoyed an impressive first stint at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, managing 32 goals and 41 assists in 149 appearances. He also captained the club to Europa League glory in his last campaign.
Despite leaving six years ago, Rakitic’s affection for Sevilla never diminished. It was there he met his wife, Raquel Mauri, and truly established himself in Spanish and European football.
That feeling when you return home… 😍👍
Former captain @ivanrakitic is BACK at @SevillaFC_ENG! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AB9pESCUrH
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) September 1, 2020
The 32-year-old always wanted to return one day and even took a big pay cut to re-join Sevilla after becoming surplus to requirements at Barcelona.
Now the Nervionenses, who reportedly paid Barcelona just €1.5m, have confirmed Rakitic on a contract until 2024.
“Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who will return to the club for a second spell after his first spell at the club between January 2011 and June 2014,” read a statement on the club’s website.
Rakitic becomes Julen Lopetegui’s third signing of the summer transfer window after sealing a permanent €24m deal for loan star Suso from AC Milan and a €13.5m deal to sign Oscar Rodriguez from Real Madrid.
The 2018 World Cup finalist will likely replace the departed Ever Banega, who has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab, for Sevilla.
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