Barca-Legend
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Spanish and European world champion Andrés Iniesta is ending his active career as a footballer. The 40-year-old was most recently under contract with Club Emirates in the United Arab Emirates, but has been without a club since last July. The step has already come to light with a farewell video on Instagram in which their former coaches Pep Guardiola and Vicente del Bosque, among others, were talking. Now it was officially announced at a press conference on Tuesday in Barcelona.
“I never thought this day would come, but all these tears these days are tears of emotion, of pride. They are not tears of sorrow. The boy from Fuentealbilla who had the dream of becoming a footballer is in tears. And I did it, we did it. With many sacrifices and many efforts. And because I never gave up. These are important values in my life. I am very proud of this journey,” said Iniesta.
He drew particular attention to the training at FC Barcelona: “La Masia changed me forever, the best place I could have been to reinforce my values in life. I want to thank the teachers and my partners.” All the coaches in his career have influenced him: “I couldn’t choose any of them. I don’t want to forget van Gaal (who helped Iniesta make his professional debut; editor), who gave me the opportunity. I thank him for this courage, because it was not an easy moment.”
Iniesta immortalized his winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, when he took Spain to their only World Cup title to date in extra time against the Netherlands. He was one of the key players in the most successful Spanish national team in history, who also became European Champions in 2008 and 2012. Iniesta also won every title to be won at club level.
Regarding his time with the Spanish team he said: “I had the privilege of having the best time in the national team. Special thanks to Luis Aragonés, Del Bosque and Lopetegui for the respect they showed me. It can all be summed up in one photo, this World Cup goal. But each of us scored this goal. Those of us who fought, the fans, all the players. Everybody’s magic made it possible.”
Most games alongside Iniesta: Xavi and Lionel Messi in front
After making the leap from La Masia student to FC Barcelona professionals in 2002, he played 674 games for the Catalans over the next 16 years, scoring 57 goals and assisting a further 135. He created a treble with teammates Xavi and Lionel Messi and won 32 titles in the Catalans’ jersey, including the Spanish championship nine times and the Champions League four times. He appeared on the pitch 488 times with Messi and played 486 games alongside Xavi. Iniesta was also successful in Japan and was able to expand his collection of titles.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018 and moving to Vissel Kobe, he won the Japanese championship, the cup and the Super Cup once in five years. With 35 titles at club level, he is one of the most successful footballers of all time. In his final season, Iniesta scored five goals in 23 games in the UAE. After 831 appearances for three different clubs and 131 internationals for Spain, it’s over now. His video the day before ended with the words “El juego continúa” – the game continues.
Regarding his professional future he now said: “I can’t be far away from football, it was my life and it will always be my life.” He is working on various projects and has already started training to become a coach.