Iniesta’s exit means he will be ending a 22-year association with the club. Speaking at the press conference he said: “This is my last season here (On Apr 27, 2018).
“I know what the demands are and what it means to play here year after year. I know what it means to be captain of this club. So, being honest with me and the club, I understand that my stage is over.”
Struggling to hold back the tears, Iniesta said: “I understand that in the near future I will not be able to give the best of myself in all senses, both physically and mentally.
Barcelona confirm 'lifetime' contract for star midfielder Andres Iniesta
"The Spanish midfielder, who has made 639 appearances for Barça, ranks second on the all-time games played list at the Club. He has scored 55 goals for the first team, for which he debuted on October 29th, 2002.
"Since 2015 Iniesta has been the team's first captain, and is one of the Club's most distinguished symbols. The 33-year-old midfielder joined the Club in September 1996, at the age of 12. Iniesta and Leo Messi share the record for the most titles in Barça history, with 32."
Lionel Messi sends message to Andres Iniesta after Barcelona legend confirms exit
He wrote: “Andres, thank you for all these years of football.
“It has been a privilege to enjoy this sport by your side and spend so many unforgettable moments together. I wish you all the best in this new stage in sports and in your life.
“You are a phenomenon, on and off the pitch. We will miss you!”
Barcelona without Iniesta is going to take some getting used to and Messi is certainly going to miss him next season.
“I know what the demands are and what it means to play here year after year. I know what it means to be captain of this club. So, being honest with me and the club, I understand that my stage is over.”
Struggling to hold back the tears, Iniesta said: “I understand that in the near future I will not be able to give the best of myself in all senses, both physically and mentally.
Barcelona confirm 'lifetime' contract for star midfielder Andres Iniesta
"The Spanish midfielder, who has made 639 appearances for Barça, ranks second on the all-time games played list at the Club. He has scored 55 goals for the first team, for which he debuted on October 29th, 2002.
"Since 2015 Iniesta has been the team's first captain, and is one of the Club's most distinguished symbols. The 33-year-old midfielder joined the Club in September 1996, at the age of 12. Iniesta and Leo Messi share the record for the most titles in Barça history, with 32."
Lionel Messi sends message to Andres Iniesta after Barcelona legend confirms exit
He wrote: “Andres, thank you for all these years of football.
“It has been a privilege to enjoy this sport by your side and spend so many unforgettable moments together. I wish you all the best in this new stage in sports and in your life.
“You are a phenomenon, on and off the pitch. We will miss you!”
Barcelona without Iniesta is going to take some getting used to and Messi is certainly going to miss him next season.
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