Legendary Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has decided to hang up his boots, calling an end to a career that spanned over two decades.
Regarded as one of the best midfielders to ever play for Barcelona, Iniesta has received widespread love and wishes from his former teammates and coaches, following the news of his retirement.
Iniesta’s former coach at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola, shared a touching memory, recalling a moment when Iniesta’s optimism lifted the team’s spirits during a challenging period.
“After a loss, he came into the locker room and told me that everything would be fine. At that time, we were in relegation, with 1 point out of 6. That was a very big ‘shot’ of energy. He helped us a lot,” he said.
Luis Enrique, who played alongside Iniesta and later coached him, reflected on Iniesta’s evolution from player to legend.
“I’ve had the opportunity to be a teammate, to see him evolve, and then to see him as a player and me as a coach, the magnitude, the intensity.
“It reflects that situation when we were little, playing in the street until your mother called you and you couldn’t even see the ball anymore,” he remarked.
Another coach who wished Iniesta well was Louis van Gaal, who had coached the Spaniard during the early days of his career.
“He is very modest, he had a very white face. It’s incredible how many titles he’s won. You should know that I have a lot of respect for you, not only as a footballer but as a human being,” van Gaal said.
Former Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque remembered Iniesta’s early days and his quiet but determined nature, saying:
“An extraordinary technique, a skill, he seemed physically ungifted, but that physique has helped him to reach the ‘summit’ as a footballer.
“He was ‘quiet,’ but when he didn’t like something, he had that face to show it. I remember that ovation at the Espanyol Stadium, in Cornellà, in the opponent’s half.”
Iniesta’s former teammate and fellow Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, too, expressed his admiration with heartfelt words.
“One of the teammates with the most magic and the ones I enjoyed playing together the most. Andres Iniesta, the ball is going to miss you and so are all of us. I wish you the best always, you are a phenomenon,” Messi wrote.
Pedro, who also shared many moments with Iniesta on the field, summed up the sentiments of many.
“It has been a pleasure to share so many special moments by your crack side. Thank you for everything you have given to this wonderful sport.
“You are an example for everyone. Not only because of what you have done, which is crazy, but also because of how you have always done it: with humility, work, and talent. Without a doubt one of the best in history.”
