Andres Iniesta reportedly set to retire from football at age 40
Former Spain and Barcelona midfielder scored the winning goal in 2010 World Cup final
Former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is reportedly preparing to announce his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.
Iniesta has been playing in the UAE with Emirates Club, following a successful five-year stint at Vissel Kobe in Japan.
His departure from the iconic Camp Nou came in 2018, marking the end of an illustrious era.
Iniesta emerged from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, where he trained alongside greats like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets.
During his time with the Blaugrana, he made 674 appearances and helped the team secure nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
On the international stage, Iniesta earned 131 caps for Spain, contributing to the national team’s victories in two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
His dramatic extra-time goal in the World Cup final against the Netherlands remains a defining moment in football history.
According to Relevo, Andres Iniesta is expected to confirm his retirement on October 8 – symbolically chosen to match his favourite shirt number.
While there was speculation about a potential reunion with Messi and Busquets at Inter Miami, no move to MLS will materialise.
Instead, Iniesta is focused on transitioning into coaching, expressing his desire to eventually return to Catalunya in this capacity.
Iniesta has previously said: “Obviously I would like to return to Barca at some point in my life, because that’s how I feel, but I don’t know when or how to say now, nor does anyone else.
“We’ll see how things go during this time and then we’ll see where we are.”
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