“I am a big fan of Dubai, and I always enjoy visiting it,” former Barcelona and Croatia star Ivan Rakitić said, reflecting on his deep ties to the emirate during an interview with Emarat Al Youm.
Rakitić revealed that Dubai holds a special place for him and his family, noting that he has traveled there regularly over the years with his wife and children. The Croatian midfielder, who previously starred in Spain’s La Liga, stated that he looks forward to returning to the city soon, particularly given the presence of official La Liga offices in the region.
Looking back at his storied career in Spain, Rakitić discussed the era when Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated domestic competition. He described the period as entirely unique, stating that the simultaneous presence of two of the game’s greatest-ever players was difficult to comprehend even for those sharing the pitch with them.
“It was a unique era, and perhaps ‘unique’ is the best word to describe it,” Rakitić told Emarat Al Youm, adding that football will require significant time to process an epoch without their direct on-field rivalry. He emphasized that the sport must now grant the next generation of athletes space to build their own legacies.
The midfielder also detailed how the opportunity to play alongside Messi served as a primary motivator when he chose to sign for Barcelona. Having logged over 300 competitive appearances alongside the Argentine maestro, Rakitić expressed immense pride in being part of a global phenomenon that stretched far beyond Catalonia or Spanish borders.
Addressing the massive popularity of Spanish football across the Arab world, Rakitić pointed to regional supporters’ genuine passion for the sport and their appreciation for La Liga’s distinct tactical identity. He stressed the importance of deepening those ties by offering fans in the region closer access to the competition’s daily operations.
Shifting focus to international duty, Rakitić touched upon Croatia’s historic run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia. He acknowledged that failing to secure the trophy in the decisive match remained the sole painful memory of an otherwise extraordinary tournament.
| Tournament Metric | Croatia (2018 Run) |
|---|---|
| Final Finish | Runners-Up |
| Key Contributor Appearances | Full Squad Rotation |
Despite missing out on the ultimate prize, Rakitić said the tournament changed his nation's global reputation. Before that campaign, he noted, many international audiences were unfamiliar with Croatia’s athletic capabilities, whereas the squad successfully demonstrated the country’s high standard of football on the world stage.
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