Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has announced his retirement from professional football after an incredible career that lasted for about 24 years.
The 40-year-old, who recently played for Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates, had teased his retirement in a post he made on social media a week ago.
Iniesta, however, finally revealed his decision in a news conference in Barcelona on Tuesday, bringing an end to a trophy-laden career of one of football’s most gifted players and one of the best midfielders the game has ever seen.
“Please allow me to be a little emotional today,” a tearful Iniesta said.“I never thought this day would come. I never imagined it.
“Yes, all these tears we have shed these days are tears of emotion, of pride. They are not tears of sadness.
“They are tears of that boy from a small town like Fuentealbilla, who had the dream of being a footballer and we achieved it after a lot of hard work, sacrifice … of never giving up, essential values in my life. I feel very proud of this path, with all the people who have accompanied me.”
El Juego Continúa ❤️⚽️ 8️⃣🔟2️⃣4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/YLrDOfxVCB
— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) October 7, 2024
Iniesta was an integral part of both the Spain and Barcelona teams that laid terror on their oppositions in the late 2000s and early 2010s, forming arguably football’s greatest midfield trio with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets.
The iconic Barcelona No. 8 won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, leading Spain to glory with a famous winner in extra-time as they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 to lift their first title of the Mundial.
He recorded 131 caps for La Roja, and also played an important role in helping them win both the Euro 2008 and 2012 tournaments. Spain’s 2008 triumph ended a 44-year trophy drought for the country, while Iniesta was named player of the tournament in 2012.
The gifted midfield maestro made 674 appearances and won over 30 titles in his Barcelona career, including nine La Liga titles, four Champions League trophy, two UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.
After captaining the Catalan club for three seasons, Iniesta departed in June 2018 after 16 years with the senior team set up. He spent five seasons in Japan with Vissel Kobe, winning three titles, including the J1 League, before moving to the UAE Pro League to play for Emirates Club.
