When Did Iniesta Leave Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

Iniesta, the Spanish midfielder, is considered one of the greatest football players of all time. He spent most of his career at Barcelona, where he won numerous titles and accolades.

However, there came a point when Iniesta decided to leave the club that had been his home for 22 years. Let’s take a look at when that happened.

Early Life and Career

Andrés Iniesta Luján was born on May 11, 1984, in Fuentealbilla, Spain. He joined Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia when he was just 12 years old. Iniesta quickly progressed through the ranks and made his first-team debut in October 2002.

Iniesta’s Achievements with Barcelona

Iniesta went on to become one of Barcelona’s most decorated players. During his time at the club, he won nine La Liga titles, six Copa del Rey titles, and four Champions League titles. He also won two European Championships and a World Cup with the Spanish national team.

The Decision to Leave

Despite his success at Barcelona, Iniesta knew that he couldn’t play forever. As he approached his mid-thirties, he began to consider his future. In an interview with The Guardian in 2017, Iniesta revealed that he had already made up his mind to leave the club in early 2017.

Iniesta’s Farewell Match

On May 20th, 2018, Iniesta played his final game for Barcelona in a match against Real Sociedad at Camp Nou. The match was an emotional affair as fans paid tribute to one of their greatest ever players.

Life After Barcelona

After leaving Barcelona, Iniesta signed for Japanese club Vissel Kobe. He has since become a key player for the club and has helped them to win the Emperor’s Cup in 2019.

Conclusion

Andrés Iniesta may have left Barcelona, but his legacy at the club will never be forgotten. He was a key part of one of the greatest teams in football history and will always be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.