Andrés Iniesta, the heart of Barcelona

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 21: Andres Iniesta of Barcelona reacts during the Spanish Copa del Rey Final match between Barcelona and Sevilla at Wanda Metropolitano on April 21, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 21: Andres Iniesta of Barcelona reacts during the Spanish Copa del Rey Final match between Barcelona and Sevilla at Wanda Metropolitano on April 21, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

“When he has the ball, it’s like everything else stops – like the camera is going in slow motion.” – Fernando Torres, Iniesta’s former Spain teammate

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Andres Iniesta of Barcelona looks on during the Spanish Copa del Rey Final match between Barcelona and Sevilla at Wanda Metropolitano on April 21, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Andres Iniesta of Barcelona looks on during the Spanish Copa del Rey Final match between Barcelona and Sevilla at Wanda Metropolitano on April 21, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Today, Andrés Iniesta, the captain of Barcelona has announced he will leave his childhood club and this season will be his last in Blaugrana colors.

After seeing his tears in the defeat in Rome and in the final of the Copa del Rey, the world has been expecting his departure. Everything indicated that Iniesta had already decided the future of his career and it did not end in Barcelona colors. Although it was expected that the creative playmaker would make an exit from Camp Nou, it became even more difficult to listen to his words at the press conference, where he officially announced his departure.

Eternally grateful

More from Everything Barca

Andrés Iniesta has been a golden figure in his years as a Culé. He is a true example of motivation and courage for all the boys in the La Masia for the way he managed to reach the first-team squad. At only 12 years of age, Iniesta arrived at La Masía and instantly formed into a football player all teams dreamed of signing. His magic on the field had people calling him the Harry Potter of football, while his magisterial touches left spectators in total admiration for his style of the game.

Thinking about all of this, it only becomes more and more difficult to say goodbye to you. The club will never find a player with your qualities and when you hang up your boots with Barça, a glorious stage will come to an end.

It has been a journey of 22 years, with Iniesta being the heart and soul of Barça. In his career as a Blaugrana there have been moments of happiness, joy, tears, and much more emotions that will forever mark Iniesta’s era in the azulgrana colors. We will never forget everything you have done for our badge and our club.

An orchestra of violins should be played every single time Iniesta touches the ball because he does not just play football, he creates a work of art that leaves people mesmerized

He has brought so much joy in the past 22 years from his Iniestazo to countless exhibitions game after game. He is part of the club’s badge and when he leaves part of Barcelona will leave with him.

The road looks to be finished but and I am confident Iniesta will come back to Barcelona. With our heart, we want to thank you for everything. You will always be part of this club and a Culé that will never be forgotten.

We are who we are thanks to you, Andrés.

#GraciasIniesta