Former Barcelona midfielder and club legend legend, Andres Iniesta, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.
After a remarkable career spanning more than two decades, Iniesta has decided to hang up his boots. His retirement announcement was made on Tuesday, 8 October, a symbolic date as it represents the number eight shirt he wore during his illustrious career.
In a ceremony held in Barcelona, 450 guests attended to bid farewell to Iniesta. Key figures from the football world, such as FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, Deco, and former teammates Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto, Sergi Samper, and Marc Bartra were present.
Current Barcelona players like Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo, and Dani Olmo were also there, alongside coach Hansi Flick, to honour Iniesta’s contribution to the club and football.
“I never thought this day would come, but these are tears of excitement and pride, not of sadness.
“These are tears of the kid from Fuentealbilla who dreamed of being a footballer, and I did it; we did it. I feel very proud of this journey,” he began by saying.
Iniesta spoke about his journey from his early days at La Masia, Barcelona’s famed academy, to becoming one of the club’s all-time greats.
“La Masia changed me forever. It is the place where I could be best to promote the values that must be had in life. And grateful to all the people, teachers, and classmates. It is a stage that undoubtedly marked our lives.
“Coming to Barça was a dream, and I focused on making it happen. That effort, at 12 years old coming to Barcelona with all that it meant, could not divert my focus from what I had.
“I arrived at the best place to realize the dreams that lay ahead of me,” he added.
Reflecting on his time at Barcelona
Reflecting on his time at the club, Iniesta expressed his gratitude for the coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, who gave him the confidence to flourish.
“I couldn’t single out any coach above any other, but I can’t forget Louis van Gaal. I want to highlight his courage and his confidence to follow the path.”
“Barça changed my life and it has been everything to me. I can’t forget the players, people who made it unique,” he added.
Although his decision to leave Barcelona in 2018 to join Japan’s Vissel Kobe was difficult, he described it as a rewarding experience, spending five successful years in Japan.
“In 2018 I made one of the most difficult decisions. With some risk. Leaving Barça to go to the other side of the world, to Japan, to Kobe. After five years in Japan, I can say that the experience was wonderful.”
Does Iniesta want to coach Barcelona?
Looking back on his career, Iniesta highlighted special moments, such as his debut at the Camp Nou and the countless titles he won with Barcelona.
“The day I made my debut in Bruges as a professional and then at the Camp Nou, on Three Kings Day against Recreativo. Then came what came. Then came moments in terms of titles that make me happy.”
He also shared his hopes of one day returning to the club, potentially in a coaching role, as he feels deeply connected to the place that shaped his footballing journey.
“I hope the coach can be here for many years. This would be a good sign because it would mean that they are achieving success.
From the outside, you just have to support. At the moment I haven’t even been to the first class.”
He added that he would like to return to Barcelona at some point. However, he will only do it when he feels the moment is right.
“I would like to return to Barça at some point in my life. I think we have had so much influence and with so many years at this club in one way or another they have to be.
“The moment I can feel that I can contribute what I did as a player in other roles, I would be delighted. If I’m a coach one day it will be the Iniesta profile, like any other,” he noted.
Iniesta’s legacy
Iniesta’s legacy at Barcelona is unmatched, and while he had once hoped to retire at the club, circumstances led him to make a different decision.
However, he departs with his head held high, leaving behind unforgettable memories for Barcelona fans. His final game for the club remains one of his most cherished moments, and his contributions will forever be remembered.
“The last game with Barça was one of the most spectacular I’ve ever played. I was flying, I remember it as it was.
“Of course, it crosses your mind, before I leave, after… My idea was to retire at Barça, but the situation and the moments.
“Barça need you to give 300 percent and I felt that it was not going to be possible. I left at a time when the memory for Barça fans is fantastic.
“A player who leaves at an impressive moment and that will remain forever,” he explained.