Former Barcelona and Spain midfield maestro, Andres Iniesta, has announced his retirement after a 24-year career. The 40-year-old, who most recently played for Emirates Club in the UAE, made the emotional announcement at a press conference on Tuesday.
Iniesta’s career is studded with remarkable achievements. He made 131 appearances for Spain, scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final and playing a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2008 and 2012 victories. At club level, Iniesta was a Barcelona stalwart, making 674 appearances and winning numerous titles including 9 La Liga and 4 Champions League trophies.
Iniesta, who joined Barcelona’s youth academy at age 12, formed a legendary midfield partnership with Xavi Hernandez. His career was marked by crucial goals, including a last-minute strike against Chelsea in the 2009 Champions League semi-final. It was Pep Guardiola’s first European Cup triumph as a coach.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Former teammate Lionel Messi paid tribute, calling Iniesta “one of the most magical teammates” and a “phenomenon.”
Iniesta’s retirement marks the end of an era for Spanish football, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and success.
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