Ivan Rakitić has expressed disappointment over Iker Almena's decision to sign for GNK Dinamo Zagreb, despite a personal plea not to do so. The former Croatian international revealed that in a conversation at the start of June, he asked the 22-year-old Spaniard that, if he left Al Qadsiah, he should first offer himself back to Hajduk Split, and if that failed, to avoid all other Croatian clubs.

"I wished Iker all the luck, but I told him one thing. We all thanked him, the fans especially," stated Rakitić. However, Almena's choice of Dinamo meant those words, as Rakitić put it, were lost to the wind. Rakitić stressed he is not angry with the player, but sad about the outcome, and that he cannot wish him all the luck in the world now that he plays for their biggest rival.

The transfer sparked strong reactions among Hajduk fans, who had warmly welcomed Almena from the north stand at Poljud in his final match for the Split club. After signing for Dinamo, Almena removed all photos with Hajduk from his social media accounts. He became the 44th player in history to wear both the blue-and-white of Hajduk and the blue of Dinamo.

For Dinamo, who currently sit fourth in the HNL table with 13 points from six matches, Almena was a targeted reinforcement for the right wing. The club had noted his potential during his loan spell at Hajduk and believed his prior HNL experience would mean minimal adaptation time. The loan deal was agreed near the very end of the summer transfer window. Dinamo currently has 13 points from six matches played, placing them fourth in the standings.

Rakitić, who himself helped facilitate Almena's loan to Hajduk last season, emphasized he still feels a part of the Split club. "He decided that way and he is responsible for his career," he said of Almena's choice. In his last season with Hajduk, Almena accumulated 1,234 minutes played across all competitions, a detail visible in his stats.

The team enters that match with a run of two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions. It will be Almena's first match for his new club, and Dinamo will hope his familiarity with the league will help achieve their season's goals.

Background and full detail: Net.hr Sportski