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Farewell Captain: Iniesta to leave Barca at the end of this season

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta called a press conference on Friday to announce his departure from the Catalan club at the end of the season. His decision came as a shock to everyone including his teammates. He is set to join Chinese Super League outfit Chongquing Dangdai. Iniesta spent 16 seasons at Barcelona


Iniesta has spent all of his senior career at Barcelona and is their most decorated player along with Lionel Messi, having lifted 31 trophies which soon going to be 32 if Barcelona manage to clinch a point against Deportivo La Coruna and win La Liga on the weekend. Iniesta, 33, first hinted his withdrawal from the club after their Champions League Quarterfinal victory over Chelsea.

Iniesta is one of the most loved footballers on the planet, especially for his goal which won Spain the World Cup in 2010. He also helped Spain win European Championship in 2008 and 2012. He is routinely given a standing ovation at many different stadiums in Spain whenever he is substituted in the match.


Born in the village of Fuentealbilla in the Albacete province, Iniesta moved to Barcelona's youth academy in 1996, aged 12. He later, described the day he joined the academy as the worst day of his life due to 'home-sickness'. The sacrifice, however paid off as he became the heart of Barca's typical attacking style.

"I have always said that if I am not able to give my all to the club that has given me everything then I wouldn't be happy."

"It's a very difficult day for me, to be here saying goodbye when I have spent my whole life here at Barcelona", he said as tears came out from his eyes.

Iniesta has won 4 Champions League, 6 Copa Del Rey, and 8 La Liga titles with Barcelona. He will play his last World Cup in Russia and has 4 four matches to play including El Clasico before he leaves the club.

The reason why he took this decision is not yet clear but Iniesta will never be forgotten and will be remembered as a magician with the ball and a humble person on and off the field.

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