Spanish soccer icon Andres Iniesta, 40, has formally hung up his boots, saying his retirement in a tearful video posted on social media on Monday.
After a glittering profession that spanned many years, Iniesta’s remaining chapter was with Emirates Club within the UAE, the place he performed till his determination to retire.
Iniesta’s journey started on the Albacete youth academy earlier than becoming a member of Barcelona’s ranks in 1996.
Making his senior debut in 2002, the midfield maestro spent 16 years at Barcelona, scribing his identify into the membership’s illustrious historical past.
With 674 appearances, 57 objectives, and 135 assists, he helped Barcelona safe an array of silverware: 9 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League crowns, six Copa del Rey trophies, seven Spanish Super Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.
On the worldwide stage, Iniesta’s legacy is equally monumental.
A key participant for Spain, he donned the nationwide jersey 131 instances, netting 14 objectives, together with the unforgettable strike that secured Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph.
He additionally helped lead Spain to 2 European Championships, in 2008 and 2012, including additional status to his illustrious profession.
His particular person accolades embody being named UEFA’s Best Player in Europe in 2012.
In 2018, Iniesta launched into a brand new journey, becoming a member of Japan’s Vissel Kobe.
Over 5 years, he added three extra trophies to his assortment, scoring 26 objectives and offering 25 assists in 134 appearances.
He then moved to Emirates Club in 2023, wrapping up his taking part in days after only one season.
In complete, Iniesta performed an astounding 885 matches, scoring 93 objectives and delivering 161 assists throughout all competitions.
Source: www.dailysabah.com