Barcelona midfielder Andre Iniesta has announced that he would bid adieu to the club at the end of this season, thus ending his 22-year long association with the Camp Nou.
Confirming the news, the Spaniard said that he always wanted to end his career at Barcelona 'feeling useful, important and still winning titles'.
"It's been a very tough but thoughtful decision. After 22 years here I know what it means to be a Barcelona player, the best team in the world for me. If I had imagined finishing my career here, it would have needed to have been this way: feeling useful, important and as a starter," the Marca quoted Iniesta, as saying.
Having joined Barca's academy, La Masia, aged 12, Iniesta went on to win four Champions League titles and eight La Liga titles.
Iniesta, however, could add one more La Liga title with Barcelona before they kick off their match against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday at the Estadio Riazor.
"I want to thank the club and La Masia for all they have given me because I am what I am in part because of them.I thank my colleagues, all the people that I worked with every day for all these years," he added.
It is learnt that Iniesta doesn't want to play against Barcelona and that he would not be staying in Europe. Iniesta is expected to continue his career in Chinese football but his next move is yet to be confirmed.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)