Soccer
Andres Iniesta, his 16-year long career will come to an end this season 2017-18. What remains of it will be countless memories, magical moments and his larger than life legacy.
The 33-year old Barcelona and Spanish midfielder have made 669 appearances in 16 seasons, winning 31 trophies, one more to fall in his supremacy, with Barca and three major trophies for the national team.
The Baraca's No. 8 announced he will be leaving Barcelona this summer after 22 years at the club, bringing an end to a glittering career at the Nou Camp. During a press conference at Barcelona's training ground held on Friday, April 27, attended by his team (Lionel Messi wasn't at the press conference), the midfielder broke into tears,
"This season is the last one. This is my last season here. It's a decision I had given a lot of time and thought to, on an internal level with myself and with my family."
He added,
"For my teammates, all the people who are here working on a daily basis during all these years, these seasons, to all the fans, all the Barca fans, thanks to everyone."
Video: Andres Iniesta announces his Barcelona goodbye, bringing 16-year of his career at the team to an end
In 1996, Iniesta joined Barca's youth academy and in 2001 he debuted for Barcelona B, with 5 goals in a total of 54 appearances until 2003.
Iniesta is being linked to a move to the Chinese Super League but he hasn't revealed where he will be playing the following seasons. Wherever he might play, it wouldn't be any of European team, for he said he don't want to play against Barcelona.
"I said I would never play against Barca so it is not going to be in Europe. We will know at the end of the season - there are still things to talk about."
Video: Tribute to Andres Iniesta (1996-2018)
"It is a difficult day for me to be here saying goodbye when I've spent my whole life here,"
he said in the news conference watched by his family, team-mates, and manager Ernesto Valverde.
Fighting back tears, Iniesta added:
"A great deal of who I am, is down to Barca and La Masia - I am very thankful to them."
"I spoke to a lot of people - players, coaches - and I know what they want, but I tried to be honest with myself and the club."
said the magician.
Iniesta has won four ChampionLeagues and eight La Liga titles (soon set to be nine) with Barcelona and the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 with Spain.
Here's check out Iniesta's stats:
CAPTION: Iniesta's 669 appearances with Barcelona SOURCE: BBC 
CAPTION: Iniesta's total trophies with Barcelona SOURCE: BBCHere, have a look what players have to say about his departure:
Teammate Lionel wrote words of tribute on his social media accounts.
Players including Pedro Rodriguez, Fernando Torres, Sergio Ramos tweeted:
Gracias @andresiniesta8 por tanto, ha sido un gran honor jugar a tu lado. Mucha suerte en tu próxima etapa! ?????? #GrandeAndres #Infinit8Iniesta #GraciasIniesta pic.twitter.com/6twlt1tMv3
— Pedro Rodríguez (@_Pedro17_) 27 April 2018
Cuántos momentos maravillosos hemos vivido juntos @andresiniesta8 ! Y los que deseo que te queden por vivir #GraciasIniesta #Infinit8Iniesta pic.twitter.com/oKDo1YsltJ
— Fernando Torres (@Torres) 27 April 2018
Gracias, Andresinho.
Gracias, @andresiniesta8
¡Eres muy grande!— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) 27 April 2018
Read more.Oscar Melendo
