Andres Iniesta, the former Barcelona midfielder who secured two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with a dominant Spanish squad, announced his retirement from football on Tuesday at the age of 40.
“Being on the pitch is over,” a visibly emotional Iniesta stated during a news conference in Barcelona.
“I can’t stay away from football, it’s my life and will continue to be my life. Now I need to continue educating myself, I’m in the process of doing my coaching diploma and that’s the next step.”
“I will try to come back and do a great job, but it won’t be running after the ball, but from another place,” he added.
Iniesta progressed through Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy and made his first-team debut in 2002 at just 18 years old, becoming a key figure in the midfield until his departure 16 years later.
He won nine La Liga titles and the Champions League four times with Barcelona, but his most memorable moment came in the 2010 World Cup final when he scored the decisive goal against the Netherlands in extra time.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta played for five years with Japanese club Vissel Kobe before finishing his career with one last season at Emirates in the UAE.
………
Note : To submit Press Releases, Statements, and Advert Inquiries for publication on Waffi blog (website) or Television 📺, please use the following contact details: You can send an email to info@waffitv.com or reach us via Whatsapp at 07068286500
