Spanish soccer great Andres Iniesta has hung up his boots.
The 40-year-old announced his retirement in Barcelona on Tuesday. He spent the bulk of his career with FC Barcelona.
Iniesta was near tears as he looked back on his storied football journey. He said he feels proud of the hard work he has done, and that he never thought that a child from a small town would be able to become a professional player. He said he never gave up his dream, and it was fulfilled.
Iniesta played for Vissel Kobe in Japan for over five years from 2018. He said he and his family spent a wonderful time in the western city, and that they feel it’s their home. He mentioned his teammates and fans warmly and said Japan will stay in his heart.
About the future, Iniesta said he will not stay away from the sport. He said soccer has been and will be part of his life. He said he has started preparing to be a coach.
Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, who played alongside Iniesta for Barca, described him as “one of the most magical teammates and one of those with whom I enjoyed playing the most.” Messi added, “The ball will miss you and so will we.”
In the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Iniesta scored a last-gasp goal in the final, bringing Spain its first title in the event. Following his time with Vissel Kobe, he moved to a club in the United Arab Emirates.