Spanish Legend, Andres Iniesta has announced he will be leaving the Catalan giants, Barcelona this summer after 22 years, winning 31 trophies at the club.
“This press conference is to make public the decision that this season is my last season here,” he began.
“It’s been a very tough but thoughtful decision.
“After 22 years here I know what it means to be a Barcelona player, the best team in the world for me.
“If I had imagined finishing my career here, it would have needed to have been this way: feeling useful, important and as a starter.
“It’s a very difficult day for me because I’ve been here all my life and say to goodbye, it’s complicated.
“I wouldn’t forgive myself for living an uncomfortable situation here because I don’t deserve it and neither do the club.
“I want to thank the club and La Masia for all they have given me because I am what I am in part because of them.
“I thank my colleagues, all the people that I worked with every day for all these years.
“They are the ones who make me better, as well as all the fans who have given me their love, my parents, my sister… 22 years ago we came in a car and today they are here with me again.
“I am here with the most wonderful person I have ever met in my life and who makes me happy every day, my wife.
“Together we have these three treasures [children] that is the most important of all
“Thank you very much to everyone.”
Iniesta joined Barcelona’s youth academy when he was 12. He went on to become one of the best players in its history, helping the team win 31 titles, a club record he shares with Lionel Messi.