Andres Iniesta has officially retired, in a video posted on social media platforms in the early morning of October 8 (Vietnam time). In addition to the former Spanish midfielder's sharing, some coaches such as Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal, Luis Enrique and Vicente del Bosque, also shared about the legacy he left for world football.
In the video, captioned "The game continues", Iniesta was visibly emotional, struggling to hold back tears as he reflected on what football means to him.
The video moves on to clips from Iniesta's early days at Albacete and Barcelona's youth academies, followed by highlights from his peak years with Barca and the Spain national team, along with iconic newspaper covers.
Several of Iniesta's key coaches also appear in the video. Van Gaal, who gave Iniesta his Barcelona first-team debut as an 18-year-old in 2002, comments on the player's unique qualities.
"He is not a big guy, he is always slim, but football is always in his head," said the Dutch coach, noting Iniesta's humble personality.
Enrique, who coached Iniesta at Barcelona from 2014 to 2017, stressed the midfielder's love for football.
"For me, he represents the feeling we had as kids, playing football in the street until our mothers called us in when it was too dark to see the ball. That's Andres Iniesta, who, at 40, is still wondering whether to continue playing."
Guardiola, Iniesta's coach during his heyday at Barca from 2008 to 2012, recalled a pivotal moment early in his coaching career when Iniesta reassured him.
"We were just one point out of six, almost in the relegation zone, and Andres told me, 'We're on the right track, everyone's happy, and things are going to change'. That gave me the energy I needed to keep going, and I'll always be grateful for that."
Former Spain coach Del Bosque highlighted the admiration Iniesta received from fans, recalling a memorable moment.
"I remember Barcelona winning away against Espanyol, about 4-1 or 5-1, and Iniesta left the pitch to a standing ovation. I think that perfectly sums up the feeling people have for him."
The video ends with a heartfelt message from Iniesta's father, Jose Antonio Iniesta: "I don't think Andres can ever really leave football."
