By Marco Antonio Ángel Vargas
Mexico City, Oct. 8 (AMEXI).- Andrés Iniesta’s name is synonymous with football. Today, this sport says goodbye to one of its great contemporary legends.
A footballer who was the protagonist of the two best teams that are remembered on a field: Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona (2008-2012) and the Spanish National Team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
In a meeting with family, friends and the media, the midfielder born in Fuentealbilla, a municipality in the province of Albacete, Spain, shared the decision to retire as a professional footballer at 40 years of age.
During the event, Andrés recalled the main chapters of his professional life, while the testimonies of people who played a fundamental role in his career were intertwined, such as his father, his grandfather, his previous coaches and his former teammates.
From the field to the bench
One of the most applauded testimonies was that of Pep Guardiolawho was his coach from 2008 to 2012 at Barcelona, and to whom current Manchester City manager He thanked him for his words of support and trust at the start of his first season at the head of the Culés.
Other of the most notable participations were those of Lois Van Gaal, Vicente del Bosque and Luis Enriquewho also directed Andrés Iniesta and, in addition to complimenting his class and intelligence on the field, They emphasized his quality and simplicity as a human being.
After a group photo surrounded by his family, the legendary soccer player answered a series of questions to the press. There, he declared that he would “like to return to Barça” and confirmed that He has started his training to be a coach in the future.
the legend
With 22 years of experience, the so-called “Genius of Fuentealbilla” He made his debut for FC Barcelona in October 2002, under the guidance of the Dutch coach. Lois Van Gaal. Since then, he has played for Barça (2002-2018), Vissel Kobe (2018-2023) and Emirates Club (2023-2024).
His best version occurred in the 2008/2009 season, with the arrival of Pep Guardiola to the bench of the Blaugrana team, where he formed a dream trident alongside Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandezto win 14 titles in a period of four years and give life to the most glorious era of the club.
At the selection level, Andrés Iniesta is the most influential footballer of his generation along with Xavi Hernández and Iker Casillas. In 2006, he made his first appearance with the senior category, at the call of the coach Luis Aragonésand two years later he won Euro 2008.
In 2010, the midfielder won the most important title of his career, when he scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in the World Cup final in South Africa. This collective success continued until Euro 2012, where Spain became two-time European champions.
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