Renowned Spanish Midfielder Hints at Retirement at 40
In a poignant video shared on his social media platforms, Andrés Iniesta, the former Barcelona and Spanish national team midfielder, has hinted at his retirement from professional football at the age of 40. The emotional clip, captioned “the game will go on,” showcases Iniesta’s deep passion for the sport and features heartfelt tributes from esteemed figures such as Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal, and Luis Enrique.
Iniesta’s illustrious career has spanned over two decades, with his most recent stint being with UAE Pro League club Emirates, where he had the option to extend his contract until 2025. However, it appears he has decided to bring the curtain down on his playing days.
The Spanish legend will be remembered for his iconic goal in the 2010 World Cup final, which secured Spain’s first-ever World Cup title. Throughout his club career, Iniesta made an astonishing 897 appearances, playing for Barcelona, Vissel Kobe, and Emirates. His time at Barcelona was particularly fruitful, as he formed a formidable partnership with Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández, and Lionel Messi, winning numerous Champions Leagues and LaLiga titles.
Iniesta’s international career was equally impressive, with 131 caps for Spain and a crucial role in the team’s back-to-back European Championship wins and World Cup triumph between 2008 and 2012. After leaving Barcelona and retiring from international football, Iniesta went on to spend five successful years in Japan with Vissel Kobe, winning the J1 League in 2023, before joining Emirates for a swan song.
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