FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Thank You Andres! Iniesta Retires From International Football
Perhaps the magic never leaves the magician, but the magician can leave the magic behind. All football fans around the world can say now is Thank You Andres! Your magic will forever be remembered for what you’ve done with Spain and Barcelona.
Andres Iniesta has announced he is retiring from international football following Spain’s exit against hosts Russia. The 34-year-old came on as a substitute on his side’s lost 4-3 on penalties.
It is a reality that is my last match with the national team,” he said.
“Sometimes the endings are not as one dreams,” added the former Barcelona player. “It is the saddest day of my career.”
On Tuesday, he made the announcement public to all his fans on Twitter:
⚽️??❤️ pic.twitter.com/KPg6qllkfr
— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) July 3, 2018
“14 years ago I put on for the first time our national team shirt. I was 15 years old. I will never forget that moment. It was the dream of my life to defend the colours of my country.
“It was something very special, not just a dream but a great responsibility. I’ve tried to make myself conscious of what it means and always give my best to make yourselves proud.
“I think that I’ve been lucky to live in one of the best stages of our national team with a great player generation that has been exceptional in every single way. We’ve achieved great success, things that we all dreamed of since we were kids, but also great deceptions and difficult moments.
“To all, thank you for for making me a better team-mate and football player. It has been a pleasure to share all these years with you.
“Now is the time to step aside. It is not an easy decision. On the contrary, I’ve been thinking about it a lot these past months. The illusion and will to continue are total but I’ve always said that I will do what is best for the national team.
“The future is thrilling, with a great group of unbelievable players that from now on will have me as an unconditional supporter. I don’t have any doubt that what will come will be wonderful.”
The Magic:
Nevertheless, Iniesta will be best remembered for Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands. However, it all begun when he was first called up in 2006. In 2008, the world would experience a small taste of the magic when they won the Euro. After winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with Spain, he also helped in winning a consecutive Euro in 2012 in Poland-Ukraine.
Iniesta leaves the Spanish national team having played in 131 caps. In addition, out of the 131 caps, he was won 96 of them, draw in 15 and only lost 15 of those matches.
Right before the World Cup, Iniesta also announced he would be leaving Barcelona after 22 years. He went on to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
While at Barça, he won 32 trophies and made 674 senior appearances.
Thoughts:
Spain boss Fernando Hierro described Iniesta as “one of the greatest players in our history”.
“The way he played on the pitch when he substituted on was like he was playing in his first cap and I want to thank him whole-heartedly,” he said.
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who played with Iniesta at Barcelona and for Spain, added: “Andres doesn’t deserve to go out like this.”
Andres has to be one of the most valuable players in Spain’s history. Not only at the international level but club level as well. Inside and outside the pitch, Andres was a phenomenal athlete and person.
Too many the magician will go down as one of the greatest football players ever. Thank you Andres!
