Former Barcelona and Spain great Andres Iniesta turned emotional when he announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.
Click here for more football news and updates.
Check out M88 Mansion’s best offers here.
Iniesta turns emotional on his retirement
Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history.
Speaking at an event in Barcelona, a visibly emotional Iniesta confirmed that he is stepping away from the pitch.
“Being on the pitch is over,” he said. “I can’t stay away from football, it’s my life and will continue to be my life.”
“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.”
Spain, Barca legend
Iniesta joined Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy at 12 years old and spent 22 years with the Catalan giants.
He made his senior debut in 2002 and went on to win 29 trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues crowns.
Barça became an unstoppable team with Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, and Sergio Busquets forming a formidable midfield trio.
Overall, Iniesta made 674 appearances for the Catalan side, captaining them for three seasons.
One of his most memorable performances was his stoppage-time equalizer that knocked Chelsea out of the 2009 Champions League semifinal, with Barcelona going on to beat Manchester United in the final.
For Spain, Iniesta, who earned 131 caps for his country, is remembered as a World Cup hero.
The great midfielder scored the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, giving Spain its trophy in the tournament.
Iniesta dedicated his World Cup-winning goal to his late friend, Espanyol midfielder Dani Jarque, who passed away in 2009.
Additionally, he also won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
Messi pays tribute to his former Barca teammate
Meanwhile, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi paid tribute to his former Barcelona teammate.
“One of the most magical teammates and one of those who I most enjoyed playing together,” Messi said.
“Andres Iniesta, the ball will miss you and so will we. I wish you all the best, you are a phenomenon.”
What’s next for Iniesta?
Iniesta confirmed that he plans to return to Barcelona and accept a coaching role.
“I would like to return to Barça at some point in my life. I think that people that have had so much experience and influence at this club have to be here, as long as they can contribute,” he said.
He added: “I would be delighted to come back if there’s a role I feel I can offer as much in as I did as a player. What type of coach would I be? I don’t know if I will be or not, but that is the intention.”
