Andres Iniesta announced his retirement from football during an official ceremony at the port of Barcelona, on the morning of Tuesday October 8, accompanied by former teammates such as Xavi Hernández, Gerard Piqué, Sergi Roberto, Guardiola, Capdevila, Thiago Alcántara or Bojan. They were also present Joan Laportaas well as the entire board of directors of the culé club, the current players of the culé first team such as Dani Olmo, Ansu Fati, Gavi or Araujoor the first team coach Hansi Film. Also the sports director Decoration.
The crack of Sourcealbilla He was also accompanied by his family. His wife and six children accompanied him in this event which was so special to him. Also his parents and his sister. “Game Continues” was the title of the Spanish star’s act, in which his sporting career was going to be projected part by part in a moving video.
“I guess you’ll allow me to get excited today. I never thought this day would come. I never really imagined it. But all these tears we have shed these days are of emotion and pride. They are not sad. They belong to this boy from Fuentealbilla who dreamed of becoming a footballer and we made it happen after a lot of work, sacrifice and effort. These values have been essential in my life. “I am proud of this journey,” began by emphasizing Andrés Iniesta, confirming his retirement.
“I feel very happy to have reached the maximum of being a professional footballer. This path is like a story because I have experienced the best things one can experience on a human and professional level. The story begins at Fuentealbilla,” said the Spanish football legend.
“I am 40 years old, my family has always been my driving force and my strength. Today, I am lucky to have several generations of this large family. They passed on a lot of things to me. “My father has always been my inspiration, ever since I started with plastic balls,” Iniesta said.
A moving video for his sporting career
“We continue the story,” said Andrés Iniesta, projecting his sporting career in an emotional video divided into several parts. And along the way, he thanked coaches like Van Gaal and Luis Enrique. Also Luis Aragonés, Vicente del Bosque and Julen Lopetegui in the Spanish team. Pep Guardiola has also emerged as a key player for him at Barcelona.
“I experienced the best part of the history of the Spanish team,” said Andrés Iniesta remembering his time as a Spain international. He remembers the goal in South Africa as the best moment: “We all scored that goal.”
Emotional moments from Andrés Iniesta who also remembers his time at Barcelona: “I will stick to what we enjoyed. It’s a step that symbolizes everything for me. Being able to be in the club of my life after going through all the lower categories. “It’s something unique.”
A journey in which he also had words for his stay in Japan: “I had the opportunity to build a great story with a humble club. We had the opportunity to win the first two titles and I am proud of it. On a family level, it was the most beautiful experience. Kobe made us feel at home. Later we came to UAE and trained me for the next step.
Iniesta confirms he wants to become a coach
“I can’t walk away from football. It’s my life. The construction of what is to come was done step by step. We work on different projects. In this next step, I have this motivation to try to continue training outside of football, but in football. I’m already in coaching training and it’s my idea. I am very stubborn in this sense. I will no longer chase the ball, now I will continue differently. With a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of desire,” admitted Andrés Iniesta at the end of his act.
“I leave with sadness, even if I will be a player until the age of 90. I would like to send to everyone who saw me play a thank you, all this love and support, this is what I take with me,” concluded the Fuentealbilla star on the occasion of his retirement as a professional player .
