Sport Nation 2Andres Iniesta, the legendary former Barcelona and Spain international midfielder, was honored with a standing ovation from 60,000 Celtic supporters during his recent visit to Celtic Park. Iniesta has announced that he will officially retire from professional football on October 8, 2024, marking the end of an illustrious career.
A Stellar Career
The 40-year-old Iniesta left the United Arab Emirates club Emirates last summer after five successful years in Japan with Vissel Kobe. During his time in Japan, he played a pivotal role in mentoring current Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi, who joined the Hoops in July 2021. Iniesta shared stories about the vibrant atmosphere at Celtic Park, enriching Furuhashi’s experience before joining the club.
Iniesta’s career at Barcelona was nothing short of remarkable, as he accumulated a staggering 35 major honors from 2005 to 2023. His accolades include four UEFA Champions League titles, one World Cup, two European Championships, and nine La Liga titles. Notably, Iniesta scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, solidifying his status as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
Memorable Matches Against Celtic
Throughout his illustrious career at Barcelona, Iniesta faced Celtic seven times, remaining undefeated in all encounters. His matches against the Scottish giants were marked by unforgettable moments, including the famous 2-1 defeat of Barcelona at Celtic Park in November 2012. Despite an injury-stricken squad, Celtic pulled off a stunning victory, with goals from Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt, while Lionel Messi scored a late consolation.
In another memorable match, Iniesta received an emotional farewell from the Celtic crowd when he was substituted during a game at Celtic Park. The entire stadium stood to applaud a player who epitomized the beauty of the game.
In total, Iniesta faced Celtic seven times, contributing to memorable encounters that showcased the skill and spirit of both teams. One such match saw Barcelona deliver a dominating 7-0 victory in 2016, though that season, Celtic went on to achieve domestic invincibility by winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and League Cup without losing a game.
Praise for Celtic
Reflecting on his experiences against Celtic, Iniesta expressed admiration for the club and its supporters. He stated, “I’ll never forget playing against Celtic. The atmosphere is one of the best in the world. I was fortunate to play there several times, and it was always so intense. It was an honor to play amid such incredible noise.”
Iniesta’s comments highlight the deep respect he holds for the Celtic fanbase and the unique atmosphere that Celtic Park offers. The connection between Iniesta and the Celtic supporters has grown over the years, culminating in the heartfelt ovation he received during his latest visit.
Retirement Announcement
As Iniesta prepares to retire from professional football, his legacy will undoubtedly endure. His last official announcement regarding his retirement is set for October 8, a date symbolic of the number he wore throughout his illustrious career. This moment marks the end of an era for one of football’s most celebrated figures.
In conclusion, Andres Iniesta’s impact on the sport and his connection with clubs like Celtic highlight the beauty of football as a global language. The standing ovation he received from 60,000 Celtic supporters serves as a testament to his contributions to the game and the respect he commands worldwide. As fans and players alike celebrate his remarkable journey, Iniesta’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers.
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