Ivan Rakitic receives hero’s welcome as the former Barcelona star joins Hajduk Split so he can ‘give something back to Croatia’ after terminating his deal with Saudi side Al-Shabab

Ivan Rakitic has been welcomed by thousands of supporters after he was unveiled at Croatian side Hajduk Split. 

The former Barcelona star was a free agent after mutually agreeing to end his contract with Al-Shabab, who he only joined back in January.

The 36-year-old has given up the millions he would be earning in the lucrative Saudi Pro League for a move to his home country – where he will be playing for the first time in his career. 

Rakitic, who is a legend at Spanish side Sevilla, said he has made the switch to pursue ‘a unique opportunity’.

At his unveiling with Hajduk Split, he said: ‘I got the opportunity to give something back, for everything Croatia has given to me in the most beautiful, checkered shirt.’

Rakitic received a hero’s welcome from thousands of fans as he lifted up the club scarf

Fans let off flares with smoke covering the fans that had turned up to see the Croatian legend

Videos have gone viral of the club’s supporters welcoming him to the club.

Rakitic is seen walking out with the club scarf which he hoists into the air, before the camera pans down on thousands of fans who have greeted him. 

Fans were obviously excited to see their new signing, with many letting off flares, with smoke lifting into the air.

The Croatian midfielder waved to the fans who cheered when he came out and started chanting. 

Rakitic left Sevilla, where he was vice-captain in his second stint with the club, back in January.

His contract with the club had been due to run out in the summer and together they negotiated an early exit so that they could reduce their wage bill. 

Al-Shabab, who have former Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco among their ranks, finished eighth in the Saudi Pro League last season. 

Rakitic…