Ivan Rakitić visits Seville ahead of Spain-Croatia match

Former Croatian international Ivan Rakitić visited Seville ahead of the Nations League match between Spain and Croatia. Rakitić expressed deep emotion regarding the fixture, noting that the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium is a special place for him due to his long history with Sevilla FC. He expressed regret that he never had the opportunity to play for the Croatian national team at his home stadium in Seville.

Rakitić voiced his confidence in head coach Slaven Bilić and the Croatian squad, emphasizing the need for a strong defensive block and readiness to capitalize on every opportunity. He noted that the team is in a state of transition, describing it as a ‘new, old Croatia.’

In addition to his professional outlook, Rakitić visited the Croatian delegation at their hotel to greet staff and players without causing distraction. He also shared a lighthearted anecdote regarding his daughter asking if she could attend the match wearing a Spanish jersey, to which he jokingly suggested a combined Croatian-Spanish kit.