Interview
The Croatian admits that the movement of the series A despite the success of Barcelona
Rakitic’s greatest regret: Croatian legend reveals a Cristiano Ronaldo personal call in 2019
The Croatian legend Ivan Rakitic revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo called him personally in 2019 to convince him to join Juventus during his time in Barcelona.
Ronaldo’s personal call
In statements to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Rakitic confirmed the story:
"It’s true, Cristiano called me in 2019 and said: ‘Come to Juventus’, sincerely, I would have loved to play in Italy. That is my greatest regret"
The former Barça midfielder praised Italian football and lifestyle, adding:
"I admire Italian football and your way of life. I am also a great admirer of Gennaro Gattuso, who trained me in Hajduk Split. Italy has a fantastic coach who will achieve great things"
🗣️🇭🇷 Ivan Rakitić in @Gazzetta_it:
"Cristiano Ronaldo called me in 2019 to say: ‘Come with the Juve’.
I would have loved to play in Italy; It is the repentance of my career." pic.twitter.com/8jhno1ur4j– Juventus Xtra (@juven_xtra) October 4, 2025
Why the movement never happened
Rakitic explained that his transfer and commitment rate with Barcelona blocked the move:
"That was 1 reason, but the main 1 is that it was in Barça. I was lucky to play there, then in Seville & Hajduk. It could have been a great deal, but my life was great anyway"
An Italian opportunity lost much earlier
The 37 -year -old revealed that he almost joined the Italian giant in 2011 before signing for Seville. At that time … A series from the series A offered a private plane to take it to Italy, but refused by loyalty to Seville (and fate intervened).
"I told my brother: I will not go, I gave my word to the president of Seville. And see that waitress? I will marry her"
That waitress, Raquel Mauri, became his wife and the mother of his daughters, Althea and Adara.
🗣️ Rakitic spoke with @Gazzetta_it: "I am the number one fan of Gattuso, who trained me last year in Hajduk. You have a great coach of the national team, and he will achieve what everyone wants." pic.twitter.com/h7eltlrgfk
– Milan Publics (@Milanposts) October 4, 2025
In Modric and the future
Rakitic also talked about her close friend Luka Modric who joined Ac Milan at 40:
"I thought I would end at Real Madrid, but seeing it in Milan makes me very happy. I will celebrate all its victories as if they were mine"
As for himself, Rakitic’s now sports director in Hajduk separated and prepared for the future in training:
"I am studying sports management and taking a training course. I think I will become a coach soon"…
🗣️ Rakitic spoke to @Gazzetta_it: "Modric has his own team, a physical conditioning coach with whom he works every day. Above all, he has football intelligence that puts him ahead of all others. And I say this with great respect for others: there are stronger and faster players, but Luka … pic.twitter.com/ir2GKFWBR8
– Milan Publics (@Milanposts) October 4, 2025