ADIOS ANDRES

Tears from genius Iniesta as he says farewell to Barca after 22 years

ANDRES INIESTA broke down in tears as he announced he will leave Barcelona this summer after 22 years at the club.

The 33-year-old midfielder was supported by his Nou Camp teammates as he spoke yesterday.

He came through the youth system with the club, turned professional in 2001 and has been a fixture in the Spain side since his debut in 2006.

He said: “This is my last season here. I know what it means to demand, what it means to play here year after year. I know what it means to be captain of this club.

“So, being honest with me and the club, I understand my stage is over.” Former Barca head coach Pep Guardiola, now boss at Manchester City, paid tribute to Iniesta. He said: “I want to say thank you. He helped me understand the game better, just watching him and what he does on the football pitch.”

Iniesta is wanted by Chinese Super League club Chongqing Dangdai Lifan, and has ruled out a move to another European club.

He was emotional as he broke the news of his departure and added: “There are still things to be sorted. I’ve said I will never play against Barca, so I won’t play in Europe. Barca has given me everything.”

He won eight La Liga titles with the club, four Champions Leagues, and scored the only goal when Spain beat Holland to win the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Iniesta continued: “My only aim was to be a success at this club, and I’ve done that.”