Anthony Gharib, ESPNO, October 8, 2024, 7:07pm ET
Legendary midfielder Andres Iniesta announced his retirement from football on Tuesday at a special event in Barcelona.
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The Spanish player and Barcelona icon has won 38 trophies for club and country, including the 2010 World Cup, where he scored the winning goal in extra time, four UEFA Champions League titles and a UEFA European Championship. He won twice.
Iniesta said, “I never thought this day would come.” “I never imagined it. However, all the tears I’ve had over the past few days have not been tears of sadness, but tears of emotion and tears of pride.”
He played a total of 674 games for Barcelona and played a key role in what is considered the best period in the club’s history, from 2008 to 2012, when the club won two Champions League titles and three La Liga titles. Iniesta also played 131 games for Spain’s senior national team, helping Spain win back-to-back European Championships and the World Cup along the way.
Athletes from across the sport reacted to Iniesta’s retirement, including former teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar.
former teammate
Following Iniesta’s retirement, Lionel Messi paid tribute to Andres Iniesta on his Instagram story.
“One of the most magical teammates and the most fun to play with. The ball will miss you and so will all of us. I always wish you the best. You are a phenomenon.” pic.twitter.com/aump2bWRC0
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 8, 2024
sports world
Iniesta, your football will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/bjrCf6GBIJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 8, 2024
Andres Iniesta, thank you for the memories! ♾️ pic.twitter.com/lgAuJv92AI
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 8, 2024
Official announcement: Andres Iniesta retires.#real madrid
— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 8, 2024
.@andresiniesta8dejado una huela involable en todos nosotros, solo por to talent, sino por la persona que eres. Con humildad y respeto, siempre. Te deseo lo mehor en esta nueva etapa, amigo. pic.twitter.com/NF6Nfcu90q
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) October 8, 2024
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