While his next destination remains unclear, Andres Iniesta has decided to end his twenty-two year affinity with Barcelona at the season's end.
Having joined as an academy player in 1996, the 33-year-old has won every imaginable accolade with the club.
Playing over 600 games for the Catalan giants, Iniesta memorably scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.
Although it was widely expected that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, he spoke today of the difficulty in making that decision:
This season, is the last one. This is my last season here. It is a decision I have given a lot of time and thought to, on an internal level, with myself and my family.
For my team mates, all the people who are here working on a daily basis during all these years, these seasons, to all the fans, all the Barca fans, thanks to everyone.
In what was clearly a difficult announcement for a club legend, Iniesta received a standing-ovation from the gathered journalists, teammates and Barcelona officials gathers.
The recognition is infinite 👏👏👏#Infinit8Iniesta pic.twitter.com/yQVc4Lxzva
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 27, 2018
Plenty have been quick to thank Iniesta for his contribution.
¡Gracias por tanto @andresiniesta8 🔝🔝🔝! Se marcha mi capitán, mi compañero, mi amigo. Disfrutemos de este tiempo que nos queda juntos ⚽️ ¡Un abrazo grande!
Thanks @andresiniesta8! My captain, my teammate, my friend. Good luck to you and your family in your new challenge! pic.twitter.com/zfWNGs4nVf— Ivan Rakitic (@ivanrakitic) April 27, 2018
Andrés Iniesta is to leave @FCBarcelona. One of the great midfielders of this or any other generation. A truly joyous footballer who has won absolutely everything with his club and country. Qué tengas muchisima suerte en todo lo qué haces @andresiniesta8
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) April 27, 2018
Gracias, Andresinho.
Gracias, @andresiniesta8
¡Eres muy grande!— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) April 27, 2018
Ha sido un placer poder disfrutar de tu fútbol en España y compartir vestuario contigo. Juntos, ganamos lo más bonito. Por separado, máxima rivalidad con el mayor respeto! Suerte @andresiniesta8 en tu nueva etapa. #GraciasIniesta pic.twitter.com/ATI0JNeyPO
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) April 27, 2018
You can watch a portion of Iniesta's press-conference with subtitles below.
? When a legend says goodbye...#Infinit8Iniesta pic.twitter.com/bNw5eLEXyh
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 27, 2018
