Iniesta, Torres given emotional home farewells
BARCELONA: Thanks to all our fans, for the support you’ve shown and the respect. I came here as a boy and I leave aged 34. I’ll always carry you in my heart. INIESTA, After his farewell
Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta lifted a ninth Liga title after his side beat Real Sociedad 1-0 on Sunday in an emotional final game for the midfielder at the Nou Camp while Fernando Torres scored twice in his final game for Atletico Madrid.
Philippe Coutinho rattled in the only goal in the champions’ final game of the season in the 57th minute as they finished the campaign with 93 points, while Torres struck both of Atletico’s goals in their 2-2 draw at home to Eibar.
Iniesta was substituted in the 82nd, hugging most of his team mates as well as some Real Sociedad players and the referee as he left the Nou Camp pitch for the last time as a Barca player. Barca’s fans held up a mosaic before the game reading “Infinite Iniesta”.
They later revealed a banner saying “Thanks for so much” in tribute to a player who came through their academy 22 years ago and spent 16 seasons pulling the strings in midfield, winning nine Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and six domestic Cups.
They continued to sing Iniesta’s name long after he had gone off the pitch.
The captain returned with his team mates after the final whistle to lift the club’s 25th Liga title and also show off the King’s Cup trophy which they won in April, beating Sevilla 5-0 in the final.
“Today is a difficult day. I have spent 22 marvellous years here and I’ve been so proud to defend and represent this badge, F TORRES, On his last match which for me is the best in the world,” Iniesta said, addressing Barca fans from the Nou Camp pitch.
“Thanks to all our fans, for the support you’ve shown and the respect you have given me. I came here as a boy and I leave aged 34 as a man. I’ll always carry you in my heart.”
Atletico were given a guard of honour by Eibar’s players before kick off.
“I have had the privilege to wear this shirt in over 400 games and it’s very tough to know that this is the final time,” said an emotional Torres.
Torres made his debut for Atletico aged 17 in the 2000/01 season, leaving for Liverpool in 2007 but returning in 2015 after also playing for Chelsea and AC Milan.
I have had the privilege to wear this shirt in over 400 games and it’s very tough to know that this is the final time.