Retiring Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta bid farewell to his playing career today at the Clasico of Legends, an exhibition match between Barcelona and Real Madrid greats in Tokyo
Andre Iniesta announced in October that he was hanging up his boots after a career which saw him win two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
The FC Barcelona legend gave a crowd of more than 45,000 fans in Tokyo a final glimpse of the skills that also helped him win nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues during his 16 years with Barcelona.
He made sure to come out strong, delivering a last-minute cross that Real Madrid’s defense converted into their own net to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory.
Iniesta has been lined up with his former midfield partner Xavi Hernandez, with Rivaldo, Rafael Marquez and Javier Saviola also in the Barca squad. Roberto Carlos, Fabio Cannavaro and Iker Casillas were among the players in the Real squad.
Iniesta said he had “lots of fun” to play with Xavi, with whom he helped Barcelona and Spain reach new heights.
“Of course, none of us are at the same level as before, but a lot of things about the way we got along before reminded me during today’s match”said Iniesta.
Iniesta trained at Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and made his first-team debut at the age of 18. He made 674 appearances and won a total of 32 trophies during his time at Camp Nou. He joined Vissel Kobe
Belgium
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