A tribute to Andrés Iniesta

A true legend, he has today announced his retirement from the game.

One of La Masia's finest ever graduates, the Spanish genius won all that could be won, formed formidable partnerships and captivated our heart and souls.

Making his Barcelona debut at just 18 in 2002, he left the most decorated Spanish footballer of all time. 35 trophies. Iconic trebles in 2009 and 2015. Four Champions League titles, nine La Ligas, that last gasp thunderbolt versus Chelsea. Ball control, an alien ability to never lose the ball and an eye for goal. Messi, Xavi, Iniesta. Pass, pass, goal. It was 22 years of footballing heaven.

A late winner at the Bridge, it will forever go down as one of the most iconic goals of the Champions League - for right or wrong. The goal was iconic, the game itself, the height of controversy.

With the Blues far from impressed with the referee's performance up to the late dagger of a strike, Didier Drogba post-match rant went down in history. You know the rest.

In Barca, forming a duo with Xavi, it is reminiscent of a beautiful era of tikki-takka. It cannot and will never be replicated. And then came along Sergio Busquets. You could play for days, you wouldn't get the ball back ever. Pure Pep Guardiola ball at its beautiful best.

On the international stage, Don Andres was the greatest Spaniard to grace the game alongside Xavi in the centre of the park. Winning the Euros in 2008, there was plenty more to come yet.

Being named in the Team of the Tournament as Fernando Torres poked home a goal versus Germany, the spotlight was soon to arrive in the following tournaments.

Then in 2010 came the remarkable match-winning goal in the final minutes of the World Cup final. The most important strike of La Roja's history in South Africa. A late, late goal of gargantuan significance. Iniesta didn't score masses on masses like his teammate Lionel. But boy, he scored some big ones.

Showing his true kindness and humility, he dedicated the goal to his late friend Dani Jarque who sadly died from a heart attack at the age of 26. A true class act.

Coming second in the Ballon D'Or running in 2010 only to Lionel Messi, Iniesta remained unstoppable in the prime of his life.

In 2012, he was lauded Euro Player of the Tournament and Man of the Match in the final vs Italy, guiding his nation to glory again through an empathic 4-0 victory. It was truly breathtaking football.

A spectacular career from the only player to be named MOTM in a Euros, WC and UCL final. Enjoy your retirement.

El mas grande.