Andres Iniesta has confirmed in a tearful press conference on Friday that this season will be his last for Barcelona.
The 33-year-old has spent his entire 16-year playing career at Barcelona since making his first-team debut in 2002.
Iniesta has developed into one of the best midfielders of his generation, winning every trophy available to him for club and country.
Only Xavi and Sergio Ramos has won more caps for Spain of all outfielders and Iniesta even scored the winner in the 2010 World Cup final.
Despite reported interest from former manager Pep Guardiola, Iniesta has ruled out playing for another European club and is widely expected to move to China.
“This is my last season here,” he said at a press conference. “I know what I means to demand what it means to play here year after year. I know what it means to be captain of this club. So, being honest with me and the club, I understand that my stage is over.
“There are things to talk about, things still to seal [about his next move]. “The only thing is I will never play against my club. I will say where I’m going at the end of the season.”
Iniesta has started 21 league matches in Ernesto Valverde’s first season in charge, eight more than he managed last term.
Of La Liga players that have attempted at least 75 dribbles since the start of last season, only Mateo Kovacic (85.7%) has a better success rate than Iniesta (82.6%).
