Andres Iniesta expected to confirm retirement after emotional social media post
Iniesta has recently been playing in the United Arab Emirates after six seasons with Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andres Iniesta broke down in tears in an emotional video on his social media in which the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder seemed to announce his playing retirement.
Iniesta has recently been playing in the United Arab Emirates after six seasons with Vissel Kobe in Japan but scrutiny has intensified in the last week the 40-year-old was preparing to end his career.
In a post on his X and Instagram channels titled, ‘the game continues 81024’, Iniesta was asked what football means to him and he replied: “For me, football has been…” before trailing away as he welled up.
Former coaches Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Louis van Gaal then paid tribute to Iniesta, whose extra-time winner helped Spain to victory in the 2010 World Cup final after edging out Netherlands 1-0.
Given the title of the video, an official announcement is expected on Tuesday.
Iniesta is regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his, or any, era and his partnership in the middle of the park with compatriot Xavi helped Barcelona and Spain to multiple trophies.
As well as the 2010 World Cup, Iniesta, who was capped 131 times, helped his nation win the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
He made 674 appearances with Barcelona in 16 seasons, with his trophy haul including four Champions Leagues and nine LaLiga titles before departing the club in May 2018.
Iniesta won three trophies with Vissel Kobe and then joined Emirates on a 12-month contract last year. There was an option to extend the deal by a further year but Iniesta appears to have ended his career.