Former Barcelona and Spanish footballer Andrés Iniesta during a press conference, October 8, 2024. Photo credit: Reuters
Andres Iniesta, who scored the winning goal at the 2010 World Cup in Spain and was one of the key figures behind Barcelona’s long-lasting tiki-taka, announced his retirement from football on Tuesday (8 October 2024). .
Iniesta, 40, has ended a 22-year career that included two European titles and four Champions League titles.
At the ceremony in Barcelona, Iniesta said with emotion, “I never expected or imagined that this day would come.” “But all the tears these past few days have been tears of emotion and pride, not tears of sadness. They are the tears of this child who had a dream of becoming a soccer player and who succeeded after a lot of effort. Effort. and sacrifice.”
Since leaving Barcelona in 2018, he has played for Vissel Kobe in Japan and spent last year with Emirates Club in the UAE Pro League.
Iniesta made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2002 and made 674 appearances.
“It was special to wear that jersey, to belong to the club of my life and to represent Barça and its fans. It will always be a fond memory for me,” he said.
Known for his unique ball control and above-average playmaking ability, Iniesta supports Barcelona’s midfield, which includes Lionel Messi in attack, Xavi Hernández and Sergio Busquets, and plays with his captivating and effective ball. He supported a team that flourished for many years. -A possession style that became known as tiki-taka.
“Iniesta, your football will live forever,” Barcelona said in a live broadcast of his retirement ceremony.
Iniesta won the Spanish league nine times with the Catalan club and also won the Copa del Rey six times.
Messi said of Iniesta on Instagram: “One of my most fascinating team-mates and one of the most fun players to play with.” “The ball will miss you and so will all of us. I wish you the best of luck always, you are a phenomenon.”
Iniesta also won the 2008 and 2012 Euros and the 2010 World Cup, helping Spain win world football by scoring the winning goal with a right-footed shot from inside the area in extra time.
Iniesta said he “won’t be too far away” from football and is preparing to become a coach one day.
Iniesta was staying in Barcelona with his family. Barcelona officials and current team members, including coach Hansi Flick, were also in attendance. Videos of people talking about Iniesta and highlights from his career were shown.
“If I had to describe this moment in one word, it would be pride,” he said. “I’m proud that I fought and worked hard until my last day playing. The rest is history. Titles, losses, and bad times that everyone has to go through. … Pride and never giving up. , which makes me very happy today. The only sad thing is that I wanted to play until I was 90.”
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Published – October 8, 2024 5:13 PM IST
