Football fans, brace yourselves. One of the greatest to ever grace the pitch, Andres Iniesta, is set to retire from professional football at the age of 40.
The Barcelona and Spain legend will officially announce his decision on October 8, a date that holds deep meaning for him throughout his career.
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Andres Iniesta: A farewell fit for a maestro
Iniesta, the magician from La Masia, played 674 games for Barcelona, scoring 57 goals and delivering 135 assists, leaving fans in awe for over two decades.
His famous No. 8 shirt will forever be etched in Blaugrana history. For Spain, Iniesta's heroics on the international stage need no introduction – his extra-time strike in the 2010 World Cup final made him a national hero.
But it wasn’t just about the numbers. Iniesta’s vision, elegance, and ability to control a match like a maestro conducting an orchestra set him apart. His departure from Barcelona in 2018 saw him moving to Japan’s Vissel Kobe, where he added 26 goals and 25 assists in 134 appearances.
#ExclusivaRelevo 🔏 Andrés Iniesta se retira.
— Relevo (@relevo) October 1, 2024
El héroe del Mundial pone fin a su carrera como futbolista profesional.
▪️ Lo anunciará en un acto el próximo día 8, el número que le acompañó durante prácticamente toda su carrera.
✍️ @willy_garcia4 https://t.co/UsMPYK8pDY
Speaking about his upcoming announcement, Iniesta teased fans on Instagram, saying, “COMING SOON. 8, 10, 24,” a nod to his iconic shirt number. And now, it’s official: Don Andres is ready to call it a day.
From his humble beginnings in Barcelona’s academy to that unforgettable goal in South Africa, Iniesta’s journey is nothing short of legendary. October 8 will mark the end of an era, but his legacy will last a lifetime.
Barcelona fans, the time has come to say: Gracias, Iniesta!
