Sports
Andrés Iniesta to retire from professional football at 40
By Francesca Hangeior.
Andrés Iniesta, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, has decided to retire from professional football at the age of 40.
The Spanish icon is set to officially announce his decision on October 8, bringing an end to an illustrious career that has spanned over two decades.
In an anticipation video posted on his X page on Tuesday, Iniesta wrote, “Coming soon 8/10/24.”
Iniesta’s journey in football began at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where he quickly impressed with his exceptional ball control, vision, and composure.
His talent was evident from an early age, prompting then-Barcelona captain Pep Guardiola to famously tell Xavi,
“You’re going to retire me. This lad [Iniesta] is going to retire us all.”
Throughout his career, Iniesta has been lauded for his incredible technical abilities. As FIFA.com said, “It is in this position that his direct style and quick feet can be used to full effect, with the ball seeming glued to his toes as he races into threatening positions.”
His former manager, Vicente del Bosque, described him as “a complete footballer. He can attack and defend; he creates and scores.”
During his 22-year stint at Barcelona, he amassed an astounding 35 trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns.
This impressive haul makes him the most decorated Spanish footballer of all time.
On the international stage, Iniesta played a pivotal role in Spain’s golden era. He was instrumental in Spain’s victories at UEFA Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
His winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands will forever be etched in football history.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta continued to showcase his skills in Japan with Vissel Kobe before a brief stint with UAE Pro League club Emirates.
Throughout his career, Iniesta’s ability to read the game and his close control made him one of the most skilled midfielders in football history.
The English Premier League matchday 33 delivered high drama and significant movements in the table as Chelsea pulled off a last-gasp comeback, Wolves completed a historic double over Manchester United, and Arsenal cruised to a dominant away victory.
Over at Craven Cottage, Fulham suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Chelsea. Enzo Maresca’s side clawed back from a goal down to snatch all three points dramatically.
Chelsea claimed a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon to strengthen their push for UEFA Champions League qualification. Goals from Tyrique George and Pedro Neto in the final 15 minutes turned the tide after Alex Iwobi’s first-half strike had given the hosts the lead.
Chelsea struggled to create clear chances despite dominating possession for large stretches. The Blues lacked composure in the final third, with Pedro Neto seeing a powerful effort blocked by Bernd Leno and Cole Palmer dragging a promising opportunity wide after a clever run into the area.
Alex Iwobi had put Fulham ahead in the 20th minute, but Chelsea responded late. Tyrique George equalized in the 83rd minute before Pedro Neto fired home a stoppage-time winner (90’+3). The victory lifts Chelsea back to fifth, now just two points behind third-placed Newcastle.
At Portman Road, Ipswich Town suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat at the hands of Arsenal. The Gunners dismantled the Premier League newcomers with a clinical performance.
Leandro Trossard netted twice (14’, 69’), while Gabriel Martinelli (28’) and teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri (88’) also got on the scoresheet. The win keeps Arsenal firmly in the title race and adds to Ipswich’s struggles near the bottom of the table.
At Old Trafford, Manchester United suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Wolves in the Premier League matchday 33. Pablo Sarabia stunned the home crowd with a sublime free-kick in the 77th minute, sealing a second win of the season over United for Wolves.
Note that this is the first time the Midlands club has done the league double over United since the 1979-1980 season. The win puts Wolves level on points with the Red Devils, tightening the race for European spots.
Relegation bound Ipswich was on Sunday hammered 4-0 by Arsenal.
Arsenal from the blast of the whistle meant business when in the 14tth minute through a cross from Bukayo Saka was pulled through by Trossard.
Still in the first half, another pull out by Saka was flipped backward by Trossard to Gabriel Martinelli who netted the second goal in the 29th minute.
Thereafter it was a ding dong affair as Saka missed three major opportunities to increase the tally.
Towards the end of the first half, Ipswich defender, Davis fouled Saka and he was immediately red carded by the referee.
Trossard hits his first brace at the 69th minute when he powered the ball into Ipswich net.
Nwaneri who replaced Saka made it four goals at the 87th minute .
Aston Villa on Saturday dealt terrible blow on Newcastle thrashing the strong side 4-1.
Details shortly…
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