Barcelona honour Andres Iniesta

Barcelona, May 19 (IANS) FC Barcelona bid their official farewell to long-time captain Andres Iniesta with an event at Camp Nou that highlighted the legendary midfielder's role in the team's tremendous success over the past decade.

Iniesta, 34, joined the Barcelona organisation as a 12-year-old, playing in the youth divisions and the B team before being promoted to the main squad in 2002, reports Efe news agency.

The entire team and coaching staff, current and former club executives, Iniesta's family, ex-teammates Samuel Eto'o and Xavi Hernandez, and world-class athletes from other sports such as NBA stars Pau and Marc Gasol were among the roughly 300 invited guests on Friday.

Journalist Jordi Evole played the role of master of ceremonies, introducing Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Eto'o, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and others who took the microphone to share anecdotes from a podium crowded with trophies representing the 32 titles Iniesta has won with Barcelona, including the 2017-2018 La Liga and Copa del Rey.

(This story has not been edited by Social News XYZ staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)