"Being On Pitch Is Over", Andres Iniesta Bids Farewell To Professional Football

Andres Iniesta, the Spanish midfield legend, has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The 40-year-old maestro hung up his boots at a star-studded event in Barcelona, surrounded by friends, family, and former teammates.

For over two decades, Iniesta mesmerized fans with his exceptional skill, vision, and leadership at the national team and the domestic league club, Barcelona. His storied career, which spanned 674 appearances for Barcelona and 115 for Vissel Kobe, was adorned with 35 trophies, including four Champions League titles.

He bids farewell to the sport in his speech saying that "being on the pitch is over" for him. However, he admitted that he entirely "can't stay away from football" since it is a huge aspect of his life and will "continue" to remain that way for the rest of his life.  

Iniesta joined Barcelona started his career at Barcelona as a juvenile plater at the academy at 12-year-old in 1996. He went on to make 674 first-team appearances for the club, helping them win nine La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.

"Yes, all these tears we have shed these days are tears of emotion, of pride,' said Iniesta. "These are tears of that small boy from a small town like Fuentealbilla, who had a dream of being a footballer and we celebrate it."

Iniesta's impact on the international stage was equally profound. He earned 131 caps for Spain, scoring 14 goals and playing a pivotal role in the 2010 World Cup triumph, 2008 and 2012 European Championship victories

Iniesta left Barcelona in 2018 and joined Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he made a significant impact in the J-League. He lifted the J1 League title, Emperor's Cup, and Japanese Super Cup.

Iniesta signed a one-year contract with UAE Pro League club Emirates in August 2023 but played a limited role as the team were relegated from the first division.

Andres Iniesta played for Barcelona from 2002 to 2018, making six hundred and seventy-four appearances and winning thirty-five trophies. He then joined Vissel Kobe from 2018 to 2023, where he made one hundred and fifteen appearances and secured three trophies.

As the football world bids farewell to Andres Iniesta, we celebrate his remarkable career, achievements, and lasting impact on the game.

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