In an emotional press conference, former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andrés Iniesta announced his retirement, capping off an extraordinary 24-year career filled with accolades. “I hope you’ll allow me to be a bit emotional today,” he shared as he reflected on his remarkable journey. Iniesta, who most recently played for Emirates Club in the UAE, confessed, “I never thought this day would come. I never imagined it. The tears we’ve shed in recent days are tears of emotion and pride, not sadness.”
Known for his exceptional technical ability, Iniesta earned 131 caps for the Spanish national team. He is perhaps best remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. He played a vital role in Spain’s historic victory at the 2008 European Championship, which ended a 44-year wait for a major trophy, and was named the tournament’s player of the year when they defended their title in 2012.
