Spanish soccer legend Andres Iniesta ended his enjoying profession Sunday with an exhibition match that includes Barcelona and Real Madrid greats in Tokyo, saying plans to transition into teaching.
The 40-year-old introduced in October that he was hanging up his boots after a profession that noticed him win two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
He gave a crowd of greater than 45,000 followers in Tokyo one final glimpse of the talents that additionally noticed him win 9 La Liga titles and 4 Champions Leagues throughout his 16 years with Barcelona.
He made certain he went out with a bang, delivering a last-minute cross that the Real Madrid protection become their very own web handy Barcelona a 2-1 win.
“I think it was a great game for the Japanese fans,” stated Iniesta, who performed in Japan for 5 years after leaving Barcelona in 2018.
“If they went home satisfied then I’m very happy.”
Iniesta lined up alongside former midfield companion Xavi Hernandez, with Rivaldo, Rafael Marquez and Javier Saviola additionally within the Barcelona line-up.
Roberto Carlos, Fabio Cannavaro and Iker Casillas have been among the many gamers within the Real crew.
Iniesta stated he had “a lot of fun” enjoying with Xavi, with whom he helped take Barcelona and Spain to new heights.
“Of course neither of us is at the same level that we were before but a lot about the way we used to link up came back to me during today’s game,” stated Iniesta.
Iniesta got here up via Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and made his first-team debut aged 18.
He made 674 appearances and received a complete of 32 trophies throughout his time on the Camp Nou.
He moved to Japan’s Vissel Kobe earlier than enjoying one ultimate season within the United Arab Emirates.
Iniesta stated he needed to remain concerned in soccer.
“I’m thinking about getting my coaching license and I want to see where my career takes me,” he stated.
Source: www.dailysabah.com