Andres Iniesta Retirement: Ronaldinho pays emotional tribute

Andres Iniesta retirement from active football has taken the world of sport by storm with football players taking to their social media platforms to pay their tribute.

Ronaldinho has now joined the league of players who have paid tribute to former teammate Andres Iniesta following the Barcelona legend’s retirement announcement this week.

Iniesta played at the highest level till he called time on his career with Ronaldinho sharing the pitch with him.

Ronaldinho arrived in Barcelona from Paris Saint-Germain in 2003 and remained for five years. Coincidentally, Iniesta made his first-team debut in 2002 but became an important player from the 2004/05 campaign onwards.

The Brazilian took to Instagram to share a picture of himself alongside Iniesta with the caption that reads: “We will miss your quality and elegance in the field,” Ronaldinho posted in a touching Instagram tribute. “It was a pleasure playing with you! Hope to see you soon, brother.”

What’s next for Andres Iniesta

Iniesta made 674 appearances, winning 29 trophies. As captain, the midfielder left Camp Nou in 2018 and finished his career with five years in Japan at Vissel Kobe and a final season at Emirates in the UAE Pro League taking him to his 40th birthday in May.

Having hung up his boots, Iniesta has already revealed ambitions to become a coach.

“I can’t stay away from football, it’s my life and will continue to be my life. Now I need to continue educating myself, I’m in the process of doing my coaching diploma and that’s the next step. I will try to come back and do a great job. However, it won’t be running after the ball,” he said.