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Over 45,000 fans flocked to the Tokyo Stadium to witness the illusionist step out onto the grass for one final time, following his retirement announcement in October.
Andreas Iniesta. (X)
Legendary Spanish footballer Andres Iniesta pulled down the curtains on his glittery playing career in a farewell match between Barcelona and Real Madrid greats on Sunday in an exhibition game at Tokyo.
The 40-year-old midfielder, who weaved his magic for over two decades, enthralling fans and pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a football pitch with his elusive movement and exquisite touch that sent defenders chasing their own tails more often than not.
Iniesta led Spain to their first-ever FIFA World Cup title in the year 2010 as he netted the lone strike in the final of the FIFA showpiece against The Netherlands to send the Spanish faithful into delirium. He was also a crucial cog in Spain’s back-to-back conquest of the Euros in the years 2008 and 2012.
Iniesta also had an illustrious club career winning nine La Liga and four UEFA Champions League titles with his beloved Barcelona during his 16 year stint at the Catalan institution.
Over 45,000 fans flocked to the Tokyo Stadium to witness the illusionist step out onto the grass for one final time, following his retirement announcement in October.
Iniesta created the winning goal (Surprise! Surprise!) in the game between the legends of the Spanish heavyweights as his cross into the danger area was deflected into the net by Real Madrid greats in a 2-1 triumph.
Iniesta enjoyed a five-year tenure in Japan’s Vissel Kobe following his departure from Barcelona in 2018, before another year in the United Arab Emirates.
“I think it was a great game for the Japanese fans,” said Iniesta.
“If they went home satisfied then I’m very happy,” the midfield genius added.
Iniesta lined up alongside former teammates Xavi, Rivaldo, Rafael Marquez and Javier Saviola. While the Real Madrid unit comprised Roberto Carlos, Fabio Cannavaro and Iker Casillas.
Iniesta said he had “a lot of fun” playing with Xavi, with whom he helped take Barcelona and Spain to new heights.
Iniesta expressed his delight in lining up alongside Xavi again, as the midfield duo who shared the lockerroom ever since their days at the famed La Masia of Barcelona set out together yet again.
“Of course, neither of us is at the same level that we were before but a lot about the way we used to link up came back to me during today’s game,” said Iniesta.
Iniesta came up through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and made his first-team debut aged 18.
Iniesta, who made his Barcelona senior team debut at the tender age of 18, went on to make a total of 674 appearances and won a total of 32 trophies during his time at the Camp Nou.
Iniesta revealed that he would like to stay involved in the game with a possible foray into coaching in the near future.
“I’m thinking about getting my coaching licence and I want to see where my career takes me,” he concluded.