Barcelona’s midfield maestro Andrés Iniesta is set to leave the Spanish giants at the end of the season to join Chinese Super League club Chongqing Dangdai Lifan.
Iniesta announced his intentions to leave Barcelona on Friday, bringing an end to his 22-year stay at the club.
“It’s a very difficult day for me, to be here saying goodbye when I’ve spent my whole life here at Barcelona,” he said.
“For me, Barca is the best club in the world – this club has given me everything. A great deal of who I am, is down to Barca and La Masia – I am very thankful to them.”
During his stay at Barcelona, the 33-year-old won eight La Liga titles (with a ninth set to be secured in the coming weeks), four Champions League titles, six Copa del Rey crowns, one World Cup and two European Championship titles.
Following his announcement, reactions from both footballers and fans flooded social media, most thanking him for his years of service at Barcelona.
Here are some;
Don’t leave Andrés!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
The truth, not only the fans enjoy your performance, we do too. 🙌🏻
The fun and joy of football will never be the same without you out there!😞@andresiniesta8 pic.twitter.com/X9N7vJ7NC1— Mohamed ELNeny (@ElNennY) April 27, 2018
BREAKING: Iniesta quits Barcelona after 22 years. Wondrous talent & the greatest Spanish player I’ve ever seen. Sign him, Arsenal! pic.twitter.com/PcQ9oY2asT
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 27, 2018
There won’t be another like Iniesta. Not simply in football terms but on a personal level as well. He transcends the traditional rivalry and hatred which exists in the game. He’s unique; a legend not only at Barcelona but in football in general. Gracias Don @andresiniesta8.
— Andrew Gaffney (@GaffneyVLC) April 27, 2018
Andrés Iniesta is going down as one of the best football players to ever have played the game. Still the person Iniesta is better than the football player.
— Alexandra Jonson (@AlexandraJonson) April 27, 2018
Guys in all my years of living on this earth…..I’ve never seen Barcelona without Iniesta. I’m finished.
— Naseeha (@FCNazalona) April 27, 2018
