Ivan Rakitić (foto: //)
Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitić expresses his intent to renew his contract with Saudi club Al-Shabab if all goes well, citing satisfaction with his role in the club and life in Riyadh.
Croatian footballer Ivan Rakitić, currently playing for Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia, has expressed his willingness to extend his contract with the club, which is set to expire in the summer of 2025. The 36-year-old midfielder, who moved to Al-Shabab from Sevilla in January, is pleased with his role and the life he and his family have established in Riyadh.
Speaking to Radio Marca Sevilla, Rakitić shared, "I'm very satisfied, and if everything continues to go well, we'll extend it, no problem at all. I'm happy here, helping a lot at the club and with my teammates, and that's why I came." His move to the oil-rich nation, which has recently been investing heavily in football, marks a significant change from his previous European engagements.
Rakitić noted, "Of course, I miss my city, club, people, and friends in Sevilla where I won the Europa League in 2014 and 2023. But I am really happy here. The city is spectacular, the people are friendly and open, and I am learning about the history of Saudi Arabia..."
His family has also adapted well to the new environment. "My wife Raquel, born in Sevilla, and daughters are thrilled. The girls have started school and made many friends. We're happy," he emphasized.
Rakitić is pleasantly surprised by the local talent in the Saudi league. "There's still a gap to compare it with the Spanish league, but the local players surprised me with their talent. They just need help working on many details," he remarked.
The Croatian international, who played in the 2018 World Cup final, enjoys the football culture in Saudi Arabia. "People on the street talk to me about Sevilla, Barca, La Liga; they are very curious. They live for football," he said. "The league is progressing month by month, and I'm proud to be part of this growth."
Rakitić has played five matches since joining Al-Shabab and is currently recovering from a minor muscle injury but is expected to return to the field soon. Al-Shabab currently stands ninth among 18 teams in the league. "We will climb the table week by week since things have changed for the better in January, and the club has stabilized," he concluded, noting the positive changes under new Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira, who has previous experience with clubs like Porto and Fenerbahçe.