Andrés Iniesta, a true football legend of the 2000s, bows out at the age of 40 after his immense career.
31 trophies, 674 matches, 57 goals and 114 assists, Andrés Iniesta left his mark on La Liga and the world of football with FC Barcelona (2002-2018). The former Spanish international (130 caps), winner of the World Cup in 2010 (scorer in the final) and double winner of the Euro in 2008 and 2012, will retire from football after a 23-year career… The Catalan maestro played his final year as a footballer in the Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates where he played 23 matches and scored another 5 goals.
Shortly after the announcement, Real Madrid released an official statement filled with emotion for this departing Spanish football legend: “Real Madrid, its president and its board of directors would like to express their gratitude, their admiration and affection for one of the great legends of Spanish and world football,” the official statement begins.
“Andrés Iniesta contributed with his football and his values to the greatness of this sport, beyond the numerous titles won during his career. His emblematic goal in the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will forever remain in the memory of all Spanish supporters”.
In conclusion, Real Madrid wishes a happy retirement to Andrés Iniesta who will join Toni Kroos in the pantheon of the greatest midfielders in the history of football: “The club wishes him and his family the best in this new stage of his life.
Iniesta’s message
For his part, Andrés Iniesta declared about his choice: “These are tears of emotion, of pride. They are not tears of sadness, they are the tears of this child from Fuentealbilla who dreamed of being a footballer and who achieved this thanks to his work, his sacrifices and his many efforts, I am proud.
“I can’t stay away from football, it’s my life and it will continue to be my life. Now I have to continue training, I’m getting my coaching diploma and that’s the next step “I will try to come back to do a big job, it will not be running behind the ball but in another role,” he said about the new page of his life that is opening before him.
