Andres Iniesta has revealed he will announce his retirement from professional football next week. The legendary former Spain and Barcelona star will officially hang up his boots on Tuesday, October 8 in reference to the number he wore on the back of his shirt throughout his trophy-laden career.
The 40-year-old - who left UAE club Emirates last summer after five years in Japan with Vissel Kobe - won a staggering 35 major honours between 2005 and 2023, including four Champions Leagues, one World Cup, two European Championships and nine La Liga titles.
The playmaker - who bagged the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa - played alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets at Barcelona in what is widely regarded as the greatest midfield trio of all time, all of whom complemented Argentine superstar Lionel Messi in attack at the Camp Nou.
Iniesta came up against Celtic seven times during his illustrious 16-year spell at Barcelona and was on the winning side seven times, including a 7-0 rout of the Bhoys in 2016.