Get ready for an emotional roller coaster
There was universal sadness when, months ago, Andres Iniesta announced that the 2017/18 season would be his final one playing for FC Barcelona.
The legendary midfielder, arguably the greatest of his generation, spent 16 years as a senior player with the club after progressing through the club’s famed youth setup, playing 442 times and scoring 35 goals.
During his time at Camp Nou, Iniesta won almost everything he could have won in football, including nine La Liga titles, six Copa del Reys, six Spanish Super Cups, four Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cup trophies.
He also won Euro 2008 with Spain, as well as the World Cup in 2010, a tournament which saw him score the winning goal and claim man of the match in the final against the Netherlands.
Suffice to say, Andres Iniesta is a big fucking deal and we were lucky to have lived through a period of time in which he was at his best.
Upon his departure to J-League side Vissel Kobe, Barcelona clearly feel the same way, as they released a farewell video to the diminutive playmaker on Sunday.
The video is quite sad, and begins with Iniesta’s press conference breaking the news of his departure. Cut to a young Andres Iniesta being asked what he wants to be when he’s older and it only gets sadder and, honestly, more lovely.
It is however also a testament to the player and the man, and the calibre of footballers appearing throughout show the rightful level of esteem in which he is held.
The highlights of some of his best career goals is also worth a watch as well.
So do yourself a favour, put on the kettle, make yourself a coffee, a tea or a mint tea if you like, and experience the best 25 minutes of your day so far.
