INFINIT INIESTA: Andres Iniesta has officially announced his retirement on Tuesday, October 8, and FC Barcelona have shared an emotional tribute video for their former midfielder, as the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner spent 22 years with the Blaugrana, before leaving Europe for Japan in 2018.
Arguably the greatest midfielder to never win a Ballon d'Or, Andres Iniesta has won it all. Be it the FIFA World Cup, Euros, UEFA Champions League, La Liga. Not only that, the former Barca number 8 is the only person in the entire history of football to receive a Player of the Match award in the final of FIFA World Cup, Euros, and UEFA Champions League.
Here's What Andres Iniesta Said During His Retirement Speech
FC Barcelona held a special tribute event for the legendary Andres Iniesta on Tuesday, October 8, and many former and current players were spotted at the venue.
During his speech, the iconic player got emotional and had the following to say:
Good morning everyone. First, I want to thank everyone for being here. To everyone who couldn't be here, who wanted to make the effort to be here on this very special day. I guess you'll let me be emotional today. Although I never played for Albacete as a professional, for me I've always had two teams — Albacete and Barca."
"All these tears are tears of emotion, pride, not sadness. Tears of that boy from Fuentealbilla, who dreamed of being a footballer and did it after a lot of hard work, sacrifice, effort, and never giving up. Essential values in my life. Today, I am very proud."
"I would like to return to Barca at some point. Not just to say it, but because those who had so much influence, in one way or another, have to be there. When I can do what I did as a player in another role at the Club...I would be delighted."
Watch below the best moments from the event: