Report: Barcelona and Spain legend to end career at age of 40

Andres Iniesta is set to retire from football at the age of 40, having been a free agent since leaving UAE club Emirates at the end of the 2023/24 season.

According to Relevo, an event will take place in Barcelona to mark his retirement next week, with his number eight jersey set to be retired by the club also.

Iniesta himself also posted a teaser for an event on 8 October, with an image of the midfielder in a Barca jersey with the eight, his former number at the club, turned into an infinity symbol.

The midfielder is best known for his remarkable time on the books at Camp Nou and as a key player during Spain's golden era on the international scene. During his peak years with both teams, Iniesta racked up a stunning number of major honours including nine La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions Leagues, two European Championships and a FIFA World Cup - scoring a famous winner in the latter final against the Netherlands back in 2010.

Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, developing a now legendary partnership with fellow Barca and Spain great Xavi Hernandez in the heart of both team's midfields.

The legendary star spent one season on the books at Emirates, playing 20 UAE Pro League games for the side and scoring five goals. Prior to that spell, Iniesta had also been winding down his illustrious career in the J1 League with Vissel Kobe, spending six years in Japan and winning one league title, an Emperor's Cup and a Japanese Super Cup.

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