Real Madrid sent some genuine respect across Clasico battlelines after Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta confirmed his retirement from professional football.
Spain and Barca great Iniesta made a tearful announcement on Tuesday, bringing down the curtain on a decorated 24-year career.
The 40-year-old playmaker will be best remembered as an irreplaceable star at the heart of the Barcelona and Spain sides that dominated European and world football in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Madrid frequently suffered at the expense of Iniesta's brilliance, although his winning goal for Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final ensured that he transcended club rivalries in his homeland.
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"Following Andres Iniesta's announcement that he is retiring from professional football, Real Madrid C. F., its President and its Board of Directors would like to express their recognition, admiration and affection for one of the biggest legends of Spanish and world football," a statement from Madrid read.
"Andres Iniesta has enriched the sport through his football and his values, in addition to the numerous trophies he has won during his career. His iconic goal in the 2010 World Cup Final in South Africa will forever remain in the memory of every Spanish fan.
"Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life."
Andres Iniesta record vs. Real Madrid
Iniesta faced Madrid on 38 occasions — more often than any other opponent in his career. He faced Atletico Madrid 37 times.
Of those Clasicos, he won 16, drew 10 and lost 12. Each of his three goals came in victories — 4-3 and 4-0 triumphs at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2013/14 and 2015/16 respectively and a 3-2 Supercopa de Espana win at Camp Nou that secured a 5-4 aggregate triumph in 2011.
