Statements from Andrés Iniesta, who confirmed this Tuesday the end of his football career at the age of 40, during a press conference held in Barcelona.
Time at Barcelona: My time at Barcelona was truly the most defining chapter of my career. It wouldn’t have made sense without experiencing the golden era of Barça, a period that will forever be remembered as one of the club’s greatest.
Those years were more than just about playing football; it was about how we played, the philosophy that was instilled in us, and the style that captivated not just us as players but fans all over the world. It was magical and unique, a symphony of football that created unforgettable moments.
What I cherish the most from those times is that it wasn’t just a job or a responsibility it was pure enjoyment. Everyone, from the players to the staff and especially the fans, experienced something truly special. That era symbolizes everything for me: the success, the togetherness, and the joy we felt in those moments. Being part of the youth academy, working my way up to the first team, and finally representing the club that had been my dream since childhood it was something unique. The best memory I could ever ask for.
Barça changed my life, and it became everything to me. I can’t look back on those years without thinking about the extraordinary group of players and coaches I was fortunate enough to work with. Each person contributed to making that period so special, and the way we played football back then has left an imprint on the sport itself. It’s a time I’ll always hold dear."
Leaving Barça for Vissel Kobe, Japan: "In 2018, after so many successful years at Barcelona, my family and I made one of the most difficult decisions of our lives to leave Barça and embark on a new journey in Japan with Vissel Kobe. It was a decision that carried a degree of risk, but looking back, it turned out to be an incredible chapter. Moving to Japan was a wonderful experience, not just professionally but also personally.
Vissel Kobe was a humble club, and during my time there, we managed to achieve some incredible milestones, including the club’s first major titles. It was a privilege to be part of that growth, to help put the club on the map. But even more than that, on a personal and family level, it was the most beautiful chapter of our lives. Japan welcomed us with open arms, and the kindness and warmth we experienced there made it feel like home. We left Japan with gratitude in our hearts and memories we’ll cherish forever.
When that chapter came to a close, we knew it was time for the next step. We moved to the United Arab Emirates, where I continued playing for another year while also contemplating what would come next for us as a family. It was another valuable experience, but by then, my focus had already started to shift towards what the future would hold after my playing days were over."
Next step as a coach: "While my time as a footballer has come to an end, the game itself will always continue for me. Football has been my life, and it will continue to be. I can’t imagine being far from it, which is why I’m already working on different projects to stay connected to the sport.
One of my biggest motivations now is to continue learning, but from the other side of the game. I have so much more to understand, so much to grow into, especially in the context of our club projects and academies. These are part of the legacy I hope to leave behind, and I want to make sure they flourish in the years to come.
On a personal level, I’ve already started my coaching course, which is a new journey for me. Those who know me well understand that I’m quite stubborn and dedicated, so I hope to excel in this new role, even though I won’t be chasing the ball anymore. Instead, I’ll be looking at the game from a different perspective, but with just as much ambition. If I can sum up this stage of my life in one word, it would be ‘pride.’
I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished as a player fighting until the very last day of my career and giving everything I had. The rest, the trophies, the defeats, the hard moments all of it is part of the story. But the fact that I never gave up and always strived to improve is something that makes me happy. Of course, there’s a part of me that would have loved to play until I was 90, but I can leave the pitch knowing I fulfilled my dream of being a footballer. Now, I’m excited for what’s to come on this new path as a coach."
This extended chapter of Iniesta’s life marks not only the closing of a legendary playing career but also the beginning of a new adventure one filled with the same passion, dedication, and ambition that defined his time on the field. His desire to stay connected to football and contribute to the sport in new ways signals that his legacy will continue to grow, not just through his own accomplishments but also by shaping the future of the game and the players who will follow in his footsteps.
