“Phenomenon” Andrés Iniesta One of the greatest says goodbye in tears
October 8, 2024, 7:26 p.m
Trembling voice, “tears of emotion”: Andrés Iniesta, one of the greatest Spanish footballers of all time, ends his successful career and says goodbye to his great love with a special speech. Even arch rivals pay homage to the “great legend”.
Andrés Iniesta sat down on a stool with tears in his eyes. His voice trembled as he said goodbye to his great love, football, in a 42-minute speech. “I never thought this day would come, but all the tears these days are tears of emotion, of pride,” said the 40-year-old, completely distraught, in front of the numerous prominent guests in Barcelona. Iniesta’s long and successful playing career is over.
“These are the tears of the boy from Fuentabilla who dreamed of becoming a football player. And I did it, we did it,” said Iniesta. The tearful introduction was followed by a thank you speech to friends, sponsors and companions. Hansi Flick, coach of Iniesta’s favorite club FC Barcelona, applauded in the audience alongside his former companions Deco, Xavi and Gerard Piqué. Arch-rivals Real Madrid even congratulated “one of the great legends of Spanish football” virtually.
They provided a fitting end to the career of one of Spain’s greatest footballers, whose ease and intelligence on the pitch was hard to beat. “The ball will miss you, and we all will too. I always wish you the best, you are a phenomenon,” Lionel Messi had previously paid homage to the exceptional talent with whom he shaped a legendary era in Barcelona via Instagram.
After all the successes, now the coaching career
Alongside Messi, Xavi, Piqué and Carles Puyol, Iniesta won the Champions League four times with Barça. The Spaniard became European champion twice with the national team and played a key role in winning the World Cup in 2010. His legendary winning goal to make it 1-0 in extra time against the Netherlands in the final will never be forgotten.
The midfielder ended his career with Vissel Kobe in Japan for a long time, and last summer he signed with Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates. He has been without a club since July. But he wants to stay involved in the sport: “I can’t stay away from football, it’s my life and will stay that way.” He wants to pursue a career as a coach.
Iniesta concluded his big farewell speech with the simple words: “I’m done.” There was one last souvenir photo with his loved ones on stage; his tears had dried by then.
