"This is what hero s**t looks like" - Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand in awe of ex-Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic's reception at new club
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was in awe of the reception former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic received from Hajduk Split fans after his recent transfer. The midfielder has left Al-Shabab after less than six months at club.
This is the first time Rakitic will be playing club football in his homeland at the senior level. He has joined Hajduk Split on a free transfer, penning a one-year deal with the club.
A video of Rakitic being welcomed by a horde of Hajduk Split fans went viral on the internet, and he himself shared it on his Instagram account with the caption:
"What an honor to play in my country, especially for this amazing club. Thank you so much for the warm welcome."
The Croatian legend was presented on the terrace of what looked like a club facility in front of a sea of fans, who were dressed in white and red. Some of them even set off flares — a sight not uncommon among ultras in Croatian football.
Rakitic, in another Instagram post, shared a selection of pictures from the grand event with a simple caption that consisted of emojis. It caught the attention of Ferdinand, who commented:
"This is what hero s**t looks like bro 👏"
In another comment on the same post, the former Manchester United centre-back wrote:
"I need to come to a game 🛬"
Rakitic replied to that comment and wrote:
"will wait here for you bro.!🙏🔝🙌"
It remains to be seen when Rakitic makes his debut for his new club. Hajduk Split play two UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers against Faroese club Havnar Boltfelag (25 July, 1 August) before commencing their league season on August 5 against Slaven Belupo.
Former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic sent message to Al-Shabaab fans after Hajduk Split transfer
Ivan Rakitic signed a one-and-a-half-year contract at Al-Shabaab after leaving Sevilla this January and was made the club's highest-earning player with a gross weekly salary of around €294,000 (via Capology).
However, the 36-year-old Switzerland-born midfielder left prematurely, making just eight appearances for the Saudi club. After sealing his exit, he shared a heartfelt message with the fans of the club.
The video contained several moments from Rakitic's time in the Middle East, with the former Barcelona star narrating his message to the supporters. He is heard saying:
"Dear fans, management, staff, and supporters, when I arrived six months ago you welcomed me as one of yours and I quickly felt at home with my family. I discovered a new country, a new culture and a beautiful religion. It was an enriching and unforgettable experience. I am proud to have been part of this project, which I strongly believe in.
"With all the efforts and hard work, I am confident that Saudi Arabia will become a key player [on the] international stage. However, today our paths diverge. This is a personal decision, driven by a unique opportunity I felt compelled to seize for my future. I am forever grateful to you all and I wish you nothing but the best. And I say goodbye for now, as I will return one way or another. Yalla Shabab"
Rakitic, a 106-cap international for Croatia, spent 13 years in La Liga with Sevilla and Barcelona. Most of his success came with the Blaugrana, where he scored 35 times and assisted 42 goals in 310 appearances, winning 13 titles.