Andrés Iniesta announced his retirement this week after a 22-year career that included numerous championships.
Spanish soccer great Andrés Iniesta is saying despedida to his international career.
The former Barcelona great
announced his retirement this week in the Spanish city after a 22-year career that included numerous championships in the club and at international levels.
“I never expected that this day would come, I never imagined it,” Iniesta said at a retirement press
conference on Tuesday that included former and current members of Barcelona, including current coach Hans-Dieter “Hansi” Flick. “But all the tears from the last few days are tears of emotion or pride, they are not tears of sadness. They are tears of this kid who had the dream of being a soccer player and who succeeded after a lot of hard work, effort, and sacrifice.”
Iniesta, 40, was a key player for the Spanish National Team, amassing 131 caps. He scored the winning goal in the 116th minute of the 2010 World Cup final and won two European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
The technically gifted player arrived at Barcelona’s soccer academy, La Masia, on Sept. 16, 1996, at the age of 12. He made his Barcelona debut in 2002 and won 32 titles across seven competitions over 22 seasons. The midfield of Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, and Sergio Busquets consistently controlled the pace of the game.
Iniesta also played alongside Lionel Messi, and the two players turned Barcelona into one of the most formidable clubs in the entire world.
“One of the most magical teammates, and one of those I enjoyed playing with the most,” Messi said about Iniesta on
Instagram. “The ball is going to miss you, and so will all of us. I wish you the best always, you’re a phenomenon.”
Overall, Iniesta won nine La Liga titles, six Copas del Rey championships, four Champions Leagues titles, seven Spanish Super Cups, three European Super Cups, and three World Club Cups.
Iniesta will also be remembered for his heated battles with Barcelona’s long-time rival Real Madrid. However, there was mutual respect by both sides, and Real Madrid released a
statement honoring Iniesta after his retirement announcement.
“Following Andrés Iniesta’s announcement that he is retiring from professional football, Real Madrid C. F., its President and its Board of Directors would like to express their recognition, admiration and affection for one of the biggest legends of Spanish and world football,” the
statement reads. “Andrés Iniesta has enriched the sport through his football and his values, in addition to the numerous trophies he has won during his career. His iconic goal in the 2010 World Cup Final in South Africa will forever remain in the memory of every Spanish fan.
“Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life.”
Iniesta left Barcelona in 2018 and played for Vissel Kobe in Japan for five years. He had further success for the Asian club, winning the Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super Cup, and J-League title. Iniesta was lauded for his performance in Japan, where he scored 21 goals and had 22 assists in more than 114 matches in the J-League.
In August 2023, he signed with Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates Pro League. Iniesta scored five goals and one assist in 23 games for Emirates.
However, Iniesta will be best remembered as an international player for Spain and his illustrious club career at Barcelona, which honored the former midfielder by
live-streaming his retirement press conference.
“Iniesta, your football will live on forever,” Barcelona
wrote in a post on social media.
