What's happened
Andrés Iniesta, the legendary Spanish midfielder, announced his retirement from professional football at a press conference on October 8, 2024. The 40-year-old, who played for clubs like Barcelona and Vissel Kobe, expressed deep emotions reflecting on his illustrious career and the values that guided him.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Aadi Nair from The Independent, Iniesta expressed his emotions during the announcement, stating, "These tears are of emotion, of pride... I feel very proud of this path." The Guardian echoed this sentiment, highlighting the emotional weight of his farewell. Meanwhile, Pa Sport Staff noted the scrutiny surrounding his retirement, emphasizing his significant contributions to football and the tributes from former coaches and teammates, including Lionel Messi, who called him a "magical teammate."
How we got here
Iniesta's career spanned over two decades, during which he became a key figure for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. He won numerous titles, including the 2010 World Cup and multiple Champions League trophies, before concluding his playing days in the UAE.
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Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.
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