captain and veteran midfielder Andres Iniesta announced on Friday that the ongoing 2017-18 football season will be his last at the Catalan club.
Iniesta joined Barcelona as a 12 year-old and has won 8 La Liga titles (it will be nine by the end of the season), 4 Champions Leagues, 6 Copas del Rey, 3 European and 7 Spanish Supercups and 4 World Club Championships with the club which enjoyed a trophy-laden spell.
"This is my last season here. This was a decision which took a lot of thought. For me, Barça is the best club in the world -- this club has given me everything," the 33-year-old declared at a press conference.
"My only aim was to be a success at this club and I have done that. This club deserves the best version of me and in the near future I will not be able to give that -- it is best for me to leave this club feeling important, still winning titles," he added.
The midfielder is expected to move to the Chinese Super League. "I have said I will never play against Barça, so I won't play in Europe," Iniesta, who along with retired captain Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busqets, formed one of the best midfield in European football said.
"I will always carry Barcelona in my heart. I want to thank everyone who has been with me in the bad times and the good."
--IANS
pur/vm
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