From Zidane to Gerrard: Legends who bid farewell to their clubs in May

On May 20,2018 Andres Iniesta drew curtains on his illustrious Barcelona career. In the clash against Real Sociedad, the midfielder left the contest sobbing as he handed the captain armband to Lionel Messi after being substitued for the final time in the 82nd minute. The Spanish footballer has since moved on to Japanese side Vissel Kobe in the J1 League. (AP/File Photo)

AS Roma star Francesco Totti on May 28,2017 made his final appearance for the Serie A side, ending a 25-year long story. Totti's Roma had then secured a thrilling 3-2 win against Genoa, but the match will always be remembered for the Italian's farewell, which saw the entire stadium shed tears. "The moment has arrived. I’ve cried the whole day. This was my only jersey… I’d love to write a poem, a song, but all I can do is try to use my feet to express myself," the club legend said after the match. (Reuters/File Photo)

Another Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez on May 23,2015 bid farewell to the club after spending 17 years, in which he won 23 trophies. Such was his influence in Camp Nou that then Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said that there will never be another player like Xavi and Barcelona will have to adapt accordingly. (Source:Twitter/FCBarcelona)

May 7, 2006 proved to be an emotional day for Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid fans, with the French legend playing his final game in front of the home fans at the Santiago Bernabeu before retiring after that summer’s World Cup. Substituted in the dying moments of Real Madrid’s 3-3 draw with Villarreal, Zidane got on the scoresheet that night and was treated to repeated standing ovations and crowd affection following the final whistle. Fans and players alike knew Zidane was unique, a special player, and gave him the send-off he deserved. (AFP/File Photo)

On May 6 2014, Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs ended his appearance record for the Red Devils at 963 games. However, he remained loyal to the club and served in the coaching development team as Louis Van Gaal's right-hand man. During his time, Giggs won 34 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles. (AP/File Photo)

Alessandro Del Piero made his final appearance for the Old Lady (Juventus) on May 13, 2012. Both the player and the fans waved tearful goodbye to each other as 19 years of loyalty both during the highs and lows finally bowed out at the very top. (Source: AP)

Steven Gerrard will always be remembered as a Liverpool legend but unlike others in the list his departure from the club came in a cruel manner. Playing his final match at the Anfield, the skipper failed to produce one last moment of brilliance at a stadium he had illuminated so many times in his 17-year Liverpool career. His side eventually lost the match 1-3 against Crystal Palace. However, what followed next was even more catastrophic for the midfielder as his final Liverpool game resulted in the club's worst defeat for 52 years. The Merseyside Giants on this uneventful day were mauled by a low-ranked Stoke City 6-1. (AP/File Photo)