- Andres Iniesta is set to announce his retirement next week after a 22-year career
- The 40-year-old teased his decision through a social media post on Tuesday
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Former Barcelona and Spain star Andres Iniesta is set to announce his retirement from football.
The 40-year-old has been without a club since leaving UAE side Emirates Club this summer after his contract had expired.
And according to Relevo, the iconic midfielder will call time on his career next week after teasing through a social media post.
Iniesta, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, posted an Instagram video of him painting onto a mural of himself.
And he captioned it: ‘COMING SOON. 8, 10, 24’, the day that he’s set to announce his retirement from the sport, with the number eight synonymous with his shirt number.
Former Barcelona and Spain star Andres Iniesta is reportedly set to announce his retirement
The 40-year-old has been without a club since leaving UAE side Emirates Club this summer
Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands
Iniesta’s professional debut dates back to 2002 after he came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy.
He went on to spend an incredible 16 years in the Catalan side’s first team, making 674 appearances and contributing with 57 goals and 135 assists.
Iniesta also won 32 trophies with Barca, the second highest in the club’s history behind Lionel Messi who lifted 35.
His trophy haul includes four Champions Leagues, nine La Liga titles, six Copa del Reys and three Club World Cups.
The veteran was one third of one of the most iconic midfields in history alongside Sergio Busquets and Xavi, and part of one of the greatest sides having won the treble under Pep Guardiola in 2009 and 2011.
Iniesta also enjoyed plenty of success with Spain having played 131 times for the national side with 13 goals to his name.
He made 674 appearances for Barcelona and contributed with 57 goals and 135 assists
Only Messi (left) has won more trophies at Barcelona than Iniesta’s incredible 32
Iniesta joined Japanese side Vissel Kobe after leaving Barcelona in 2018
He was at the heart of the Spain team that won the Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and then Euro 2012.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta joined Japanese side Vissel Kobe and won a league title and cup over five years.
He spent last season with UAE side Emirates and scored five times in 20 appearances.
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