Barcelona have announced the departure of midfielder Ivan Rakitic to former club Sevilla for just £1.3 million.
The 32-year-old had been earmarked as a player that could be moved on this summer in the wake of the club’s 8-2 mauling by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the club planning an overhaul by selling several first team stars.
Rakitic has signed a four-year deal with the Andalusian side, who he left to join Barca for £18 million in 2014.
The deal could rise to £8 million with bonuses.
In a statement, Barcelona thanked him for his efforts during his six years at the club and praised his achievements – announcing a farewell ceremony for him this week.
The statement said: “FC Barcelona publicly expresses its gratitude to Rakitic for his commitment and dedication and wishes him good luck and success in the future.
“Versatile, hard-working and with a good vision of the game, he ends his career as a Barca player with 310 games, in which he has made 40 assists and 36 goals. This Wednesday, September 2, starting at 11am, the farewell ceremony and subsequent telematic press conference of the player will take place.”
Posting the news on their official Twitter page, Sevilla wrote: “@IvanRakitic returns home, he is a #SevillaFC player once again! Welcome back, Ivan!”
Rakitic played 310 times for the Spanish giants, scoring 36 goals and winning nine major trophies – including four LaLiga titles and the Champions League.
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