Andrés Iniesta, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup and played a key role in Barcelona’s tiki-taka style, announced his retirement from soccer on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old Iniesta concluded a 22-year career that included two European Championship titles and four Champions League trophies.
“I never expected that this day would come, I never imagined it,” an emotional Iniesta said during a ceremony at an exhibition center in Barcelona. “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.”
Since leaving Barcelona in 2018, he played for Vissel Kobe in Japan and for the last year with Emirates in the UAE Pro League.
Iniesta made his first-team debut with Barcelona in 2002 and played 674 matches.
“It was something unique to be with the club of your life, to represent Barça, its fans, and to wear that jersey,” he said. “It’s something I’ll always have fond memories of.”
Known for his exceptional ball control and playmaking skills, Iniesta was a key part of Barcelona’s midfield alongside Xavi Hernández and Sergio Busquets, as well as Lionel Messi in attack. Together, they excelled with a captivating style of play known as tiki-taka.
“Iniesta, your football will live on forever,” said Barcelona, which streamed the retirement ceremony live.
Iniesta won nine Spanish league titles with the club, along with six Copa del Rey trophies.
“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.”
