Iniesta retires from professional football
Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has decided to hang up his boots, announcing his retirement from football at the age of 40.
Iniesta, who came up through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, caught the eyes and captivated the hearts of football fans across the world from the age of 18, when he made his debut in 2002 for the Catalan giants. During his career, not only has he been dubbed the “midfield maestro,” but his quality, intelligence, and gracefulness with the ball have redefined the number 8 position. A feat which many are still yet to live up to.
After his debut, Iniesta went on to make 674 appearances over 16 seasons for Barcelona, the fourth-most in the history of the club, behind Lionel Messi (778), Xavi (767), and Sergio Busquets (722). He won 29 major honours, including nine LaLiga titles, four Champions League, two UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups. He scored 35 goals in 442 LaLiga appearances with Barcelona. He was an integral part of Barcelona’s two treble-winning seasons in 2009 and 2015 and also went unbeaten for 55 games in LaLiga between September 2010 and April 2012 (W47 D8). Only Angel Correa (58 games) has scored in more games without losing in the 21st century.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta spent five years with Japanese club Vissel Kobe before playing one final season with Emirates of the UAE Pro League. He had the option to extend his contract until 2025 but has instead decided to retire with joy.
“Please allow me to be a little emotional today,” a tearful Iniesta said at a press conference on Tuesday. “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. 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.”
Iniesta was quite the player; even his rivals loved him as his abilities were not limited to the club scene as he shone just as bright in international arenas, going on to make 131 appearances for Spain, the fifth-most in the history of the men’s national team. Amidst all the club success he obtained, Iniesta would credit his greatest footballing moment to his winning extra-time goal in the 2010 World Cup finals against the Netherlands that helped La Roja secure their first-ever World Cup title. He was also a part of Spain’s European Championship successes in 2008 and 2012, being named the Player of the Tournament at the latter edition.
Saying goodbye to the very thing that gave you your identity can be very hard, but for Iniesta, it’s not the end of his love story with football, as he eyes a possible return to the field but on the sidelines, at the club that gave him so much.
“I have already started the coaching course,” Iniesta said. “I want to train myself for this next stage. Those of you who know me know that I am quite stubborn in that sense, to do a great job. It won’t be behind the ball but in another place. I’d like to return to Barca at some point. Not just to say it, but because those who had so much influence, in one way or another, have to be there. When I can do what I did as a player in another role at the club, I’d be delighted.”
Iniesta made the comments at his retirement event on Tuesday, hosted by his former club, Barcelona.