Iniesta gives emotional Barcelona farewell

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Andres Iniesta addressed Camp Nou as the 34-year-old midfielder said one last goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday.

La Liga champions Barca ended their season with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad but it was all about the departing Iniesta on Sunday.

The 34-year-old midfielder – who is reportedly set to move to Japan – closed the curtain on his illustrious Barcelona career in the 81st minute as he left the field to a rapturous reception after handing the captain’s armband to Lionel Messi.

After the match and emotional tributes, nine-time LaLiga champion and four-time Champions League winner Iniesta addressed the fans.

‘Today is a difficult day but it’s been 22 marvellous years. It’s been a pride and a pleasure to defend and represent this badge, for me, the best in the world,’ said Iniesta, who made his senior debut in 2002.

‘Thanks to all my team-mates, each and every one. I will miss you all so much. And thank you to the fans, for all your love, everything you’ve made me feel since I arrived here as a boy, I leave as a man. I will keep you in my heart forever.

‘To finish, this week has left me speechless. Visca Barca, visca Catalunya, and visca Fuentealbilla [his home town].’

Barcelona team-mate Ivan Rakitic heaped praise on his outgoing team-mate, who is poised to join J.League outfit Vissel Kobe.

‘It is a real pleasure to share all those moments with him,’ Rakitic said. ‘With Andres, I won a friend for life, I have a lot of affection for all his family. It will be unforgettable what I have lived with him.’

Photo: Enric Fontcuberta/Backpagepix

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Dean Workman