Ivan Rakitic has offered a teary farewell to Sevilla today.

The veteran midfielder has agreed to join Al Shabab today and Sevilla held a farewell ceremony this morning.

An emotional Rakitic said: I said I wasn't going to cry today. I stay above all with what I am experiencing outside the stadium. When you arrive in a new country you have to make time in the countryside, but the most important thing is the memory that remains of the person.

"We have lived 7 incredible years together. I have had the privilege of wearing this shirt 323 times. One must understand that a cycle is ending, it is important that one be clear about it even though sometimes it may hurt. For me it has been not a pride, but the following, seeing the two Europa Leagues here, which I wish there had been many more titles.

"We all score goals and give assists but what we want is those cups and fortunately we can say that Sevilla has some accounts. I take so many friends and family with me that it seems unbelievable. How can a Croatian born in Switzerland say that his home is in Seville?

"I will return and I will always stay next to Sevilla Ftbol Club. I know that this difficult season is going to go well, I trust you, president. From a distance I will be supporting and I will take a few t-shirts to show Sevillismo far away from here. There is nothing greater than feeling like a Sevilista and Sevillian. I will continue to put my daughters to sleep with the marches (of Holy Week) and we will also take the salmorejo to Arabia.

"Here in Nervin you have to live it. Long live Seville."

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