Iniesta bows out of playing career with a memorable farewell in Tokyo

Spanish football legend Andrés Iniesta brought the curtain down on his illustrious career on Sunday in an exhibition match between Barcelona and Real Madrid greats in Tokyo.

The 40-year-old, who announced his retirement in October, now sets his sights on a future in coaching.

Iniesta, who enjoyed a decorated career with Barcelona, made his final appearance before over 45,000 fans at the Tokyo National Stadium. His career saw him win two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup, along with nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues, earning him a spot among the game's greats.

The former Barcelona midfielder ensured he went out on a high note, providing a last-minute cross that was deflected into the net by the Real Madrid defence, securing a 2-1 victory for the Barcelona team.

Reflecting on the match, Iniesta expressed his satisfaction with the occasion. "I think it was a great game for the Japanese fans," he said. "If they went home satisfied, then I'm very happy."

Iniesta took to the pitch alongside former Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernández, Rivaldo, Rafael Márquez, and Javier Saviola, while the Real Madrid side included Roberto Carlos, Fabio Cannavaro, and Iker Casillas.

"It was a lot of fun playing with Xavi again," Iniesta remarked. "Of course, neither of us is at the same level we once were, but much of the way we used to link up came back to me during today's game."

Having come through Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy, Iniesta made his first-team debut at 18 and went on to make 674 appearances, winning a total of 32 trophies with the Catalan club. In 2018, he moved to Japan's Vissel Kobe, where he spent five years before finishing his playing career in the UAE.

As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, Iniesta revealed he plans to stay involved in football. "I'm thinking about getting my coaching licence and want to see where my career takes me," he said.