Iniesta, The Soccer Great, Retires From Football In Tokyo -

In an exhibition match between Barcelona and Real Madrid greats in Tokyo on Sunday, December 15, Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta formally said goodbye to his playing career. He stated that he now wants to pursue a career in coaching.

After winning two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup, the 40-year-old declared in October that he was hanging up his boots. In front of over 45,000 fans in Tokyo, he gave a final demonstration of the abilities that helped him win nine La Liga championships and four Champions Leagues during his 16-year tenure with Barcelona.

In the Legends game, Barcelona won 2-1 thanks to a last-minute cross from Iniesta that the Real Madrid defense turned into their own net.

“I think it was a great game for the Japanese fans. If they went home satisfied then I’m very happy.” said Iniesta, who played in Japan for five years after leaving Barcelona in 2018.

Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, his former midfield partner, were in the Barcelona lineup along with Rivaldo, Rafael Marquez, and Javier Saviola. Among the Real Madrid players were Iker Casillas, Fabio Cannavaro, and Roberto Carlos. As he helped lead Barcelona and Spain to unprecedented heights, Iniesta said he had “a lot of fun” playing with Xavi.

“Of course neither of us is at the same level that we were before but a lot about the way we used to link up came back to me during today’s game,” said Iniesta.

At the age of 18, Iniesta made his first-team debut after graduating from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy. During his tenure at Camp Nou, he made 674 appearances and took home 32 trophies.

Before playing one last season in the United Arab Emirates, he relocated to Vissel Kobe, Japan. Iniesta stated that he wished to continue playing football.