Ivan Rakitić of Barcelona and Croatia was awarded as the Sportsman of the Year by the Croatian daily sports newspaper Sportske novosti.
In 2015, Rakitić won a triple crown with the Catalan giant, lifting trophies in Primera, Copa del Rey and Champions League. In Champions League final, against Juventus, he scored to give Barcelona and early lead. Moreover, he later won the European Supercup title
Rakitić also gave a significant contribution on the road to EURO 2016. Croatia successfully completed qualifying campaign, with the midfielder scoring in the penultimate match against Bulgaria in Zagreb.
Rakitić has 10 goals to his name in the national team, with 75 caps.
"I'd like to thank to everyone who voted for me, as well as to everyone who stood by me, my club and my national team. It is needless to say that I am greatly honoured to receive this award and I am glad that my work and effort have been recognized. I live football 100 percent, with my wife and daughter being my main strength. My parents have done all they could for me, and I will give my best to make 2016 even better. With everybody's support, I hope for the best European Championships in Croatian history", said Rakitić.
