“We will miss your quality and elegance” - Ronaldinho bids emotional farewell to Andres Iniesta as Barcelona legend retires
Former Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho posted an emotional message as his former teammate Andres Iniesta announced his retirement. The two shared the dressing room at Barcelona.
In 2003, the Brazilian joined the Blaugrana from Paris Saint-Germain and stayed there till 2008. A year before Ronaldinho arrived at the Camp Nou, Iniesta got promoted to the first team. They shared the pitch for five long seasons before the Brazilian left for AC Milan.
Ronaldinho wrote in his post (translated to English) after Iniesta announced his retirement on Tuesday (October 8):
"Day to celebrate your career. We will miss your quality and elegance in the field. ... It was a pleasure playing with you! Hope to see you soon brother."
Both Andres Iniesta and Ronaldinho were sublime on the pitch for Barcelona. Iniesta paired up with Xavi in midfield. Up front, there was Ronaldinho, who was a master of trickery and skillfulness, making 207 appearances and scoring 94 times.
A look at Andres Iniesta's career
In 1996, Iniesta joined the La Masia academy before getting promoted to the senior team six years later.
Partnering Xavi in midfield, Iniesta created wonders. He won four UEFA Champions League titles at Barcelona, before he left in 2018. He spent 22 years at the club, starting as a kid at La Masia to club captain after Carles Puyol had retired and Xavi left.
Andres Iniesta registered 674 appearances for the Blaugrana and scored 57 goals and delivered 135 assists. After parting ways in 2018, he joined Japanese side Vissel Kobe and spent five years with the J1 League side. In 2023, he joined Emirates Club in the UAE Pro League. After leaving them before the ongoing season, he announced his retirement from football.
Internationally, Iniesta made his debut for Spain in 2006. He played 131 matches, scoring 14 times. One of them was an extra time winner in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against Netherlands. Iniesta also won two Euros (2008 and 2012).