... Stars pay tribute

sum up Iniesta in one phrase, and their responses ranged from De Bruyne’s ‘magician’ to Henry’s ‘untouchable’.

Tennis hero Rafael Nadal described Iniesta as ‘unique’.

Iniesta, who graduated from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy and has spent his entire career to date with the club, announced last month in a tearful press conference that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

And now Iniesta has admitted that he is concerned ahead of today’s clash against Real Sociedad, his final game for Barcelona. The 34-year-old told Spanish radio station RAC 1: ‘I’m nervous about Sunday (today), as I’ve already been telling some people.

“When they tell you the end is coming you get used to the idea, but when the moment approaches I’ll be nervous and my feelings will be even more raw.’

This season Iniesta has helped Barcelona to win the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey and, despite frequently being substituted in games to preserve his fitness, he has still made a significant contribution.

A hugely important figure in Barcelona’s recent successes, at his peak Iniesta was one of the standout players in world football given his vision and exemplary technique.

Iniesta has also enjoyed much success on the international stage, winning the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, but now his long association with Barcelona is coming to an end.

He certainly won’t be forgotten in a hurry given the amount of praise he has received.— Dailymail