REAL MADRID have released a club statement paying tribute to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.
The former midfielder, 40, broke down in tears as he confirmed his emotional retirement on Monday.
Iniesta is widely regarded as one of Barcelona‘s greatest ever players, appearing 674 times for his boyhood team before leaving in 2018.
Following his Barca exit, he spent five years with Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
When his game time began to dwindle in Japan, Iniesta spent one final season with UAE side Emirates before hanging up his boots.
The former Spain star was part of an all-conquering Barcelona side in his pomp – winning nine LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues, six Copa del Reys and three Club World Cups.
Despite his incredible contribution to their biggest rivals, Real Madrid took the unusual move to pay tribute to him in a somewhat formal club statement.
It read: “Following Andres Iniesta’s announcement that he will retire from professional football, Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors wish to express their recognition, admiration and affection for one of the great legends of Spanish and world football.
“Andres Iniesta has contributed to the greatness of the sport with his football and his values, beyond the numerous titles he has won during his career.
“His iconic goal in the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will remain forever in the memory of all Spanish fans.
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“Real Madrid wishes him and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of his life.”
The statement points to Iniesta’s dramatic winner against Germany in the 2010 World Cup final.
In total he played 131 times for his country, winning two European Championships in addition to the World Cup.
While the bulk of Iniesta’s success came in Europe, he also won a J.League title, Emperor’s Cup and Japanese Super Cup with Vissel Kobe.
In an incredible retirement video, Iniesta received praise from his former coaches including Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and Luis Enrique.
Guardiola even revealed that during his early days at Barcelona, Iniesta gave him the “boost of energy to keep going” and that he will “always be grateful” to the midfielder.
