The China Mail - Ex-Barcelona and Spain great Iniesta retires aged 40

"Being on the pitch is over," a visibly emotional Iniesta told reporters at a news conference in Barcelona while reflecting on a professional career that began with the Catalan giants in 2002.

"I can't stay away from football, it's my life and will continue to be my life. Now I need to continue educating myself, I'm in the process of doing my coaching diploma and that's the next step."

"I will try to come back and do a great job. However it won't be running after the ball, but from another place," he added.

Iniesta came up through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and made his first-team debut aged just 18, becoming a mainstay in the midfield before his departure 16 years later after 674 appearances.

He won nine La Liga titles and the Champions League four times with Barcelona, also lifting six Copas del Rey in a haul of 32 trophies during his time at Camp Nou.

Iniesta formed a devastating midfield with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets, becoming the standard-bearers of the "tiki-taka" style of football that catapulted both club and country to new heights.

He played alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Samuel Eto'o and Luis Suarez for Barcelona, who captured the treble in 2009 under Pep Guardiola and again six years later with Luis Enrique in charge.

Messi paid tribute to Iniesta on social media and called him "one of the most magical team-mates", while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said he had given "society an example of what a professional athlete is".

His greatest moment came in the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg when he scored the winning goal for Spain against the Netherlands in extra time.

He won 131 caps for Spain before calling time on his international career after the 2018 World Cup.

After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta spent five years with Japanese club Vissel Kobe before playing one final season with Emirates of the UAE.

"I'd like to return to Barca at some point. Not just to say it, but because those who had so much influence, in one way or another, have to be there," said Iniesta.

"When I can do what I did as a player in another role at the club... I'd be delighted."

Barcelona praised the retiring Iniesta in a post on the club's X account.

"Iniesta, your football will live on forever."

S.Wilson--ThChM