“It was a pleasure to play with you - Neymar Jr sends emotional farewell message to Andres Iniesta as Barcelona legend retires
Former Barcelona star Neymar Jr penned a farewell message for former teammate Andres Iniesta after the latter announced his retirement from professional football on October 7. The duo played together at Barca for four seasons before the Brazilian moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017.
Widely considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Andres Iniesta's career began at Barca's academy, La Masia. The Spaniard represented the Barcelona senior team between 2002 and 2018, recording 57 goals and 135 assists in 674 appearances across competitions.
Iniesta moved to Vissel Kobe in 2018, before joining UAE side Emirates in 2023. The Spaniard announced his retirement from professional football, with messages pouring in from his former teammates and friends from the world of football.
Taking to Instagram on October 8, Neymar Jr penned a heartfelt message for his former Blaugrana teammate, writing (translated from Spanish via Instagram):
"The best midfielder I could share some amazing moments with..It was a pleasure to play with you, we had many days of joy!! Friend, I wish you the best for what's coming 🙏 Legend @andresiniesta8 "
Neymar Jr and Andres Iniesta shared the pitch 140 times, recording nine joint-goal contributions. Culers will fondly remember the Spaniard's magical assist to the Brazilian during Barcelona's quarter-final second-leg clash against PSG in the 2014-15 season, celebrated by many as one of the best assists in football.
During his time at Camp Nou, Iniesta became part of one of the best midfielder trios in history alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets. He left the club as one of the greatest Blaugrana legends of all time, winning four Champions Leagues and nine La Liga titles apart from other accolades.
"He's one of the best players I've ever seen" - When Andres Iniesta showered praise on his ex-Barcelona teammate Neymar Jr
In an interview with One Football ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Andres Iniesta spoke highly of Neymar Jr, labeling him as one of the best players he has seen. The Spaniard said (via GOAL):
"For me, he's one of the best players I've ever seen and with whom I've played. He is a machine for playing football, dribbling, and passing. I believe that when we talk about football, we are talking about spectacle, enjoying what the players present. And I think that seeing Ney playing is synonymous with that."
The Barcelona legend also considered Brazil to be a strong contender to win the World Cup at that time. The Selecao were eventually eliminated after a 4-2 loss on penalties to Croatia in the quarter-final.
However, the match is also remembered for Neymar's wonder goal during extra time (105+1'). Iniesta's other former teammate Lionel Messi ended up winning the title with Argentina.
Andres Iniesta himself is also a part of one of the most important moments in world football. He scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final, leading Spain to their first title in the tournament.