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Football

01st Oct 2024

Andres Iniesta retires from football aged 40

Harry Warner

Goodbye to a legend

Andres Iniesta has retired from football at age 40 after an illustrious career for Spain and Barcelona.

The iconic midfielder won it all during a trophy-laden career that saw him win the 2010 World Cup and the Euros on two occasions with Spain.

Meanwhile, with Barcelona he won four Champions Leagues, nine La Liga titles, six Copa del Reys as well as a host of other accolades.

Iniesta played 674 games for Barcelona scoring 57 times and assisting 135 while also making 131 appearances for Spain.

The Spanish hero left Barca in 2018, heading to Japan where he played over 100 times for Vissel Kobe during a five-year stint.

Most recently Iniesta was playing for Emirates Club in the UAE, where he stayed for one season before deciding to retire.

Tributes have poured in for the midfielder who won it all, with many posted videos of his World Cup winning goal from 2010.

Taking to X one person said: “Farewell to one of the greatest midfielders of all time.”

Another person commented: “After a magical journey spanning decades, Andrés Iniesta has officially hung up his boots at 40.

“No footballer has truly retired, for legends like him live on in every pass, every touch. Thank you for the memories, Maestro.”

Meanwhile one user simply said: “Thank you Andres Iniesta, an unforgettable career. Football owes you a Ballon d’Or.”