It's hard to says goodbye, says Barcelona's Andres Iniesta

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

Andres Iniesta is felicitated at Camp Nou on Saturday. pic/AFP

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.

Iniesta's former teammates Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Eto'o, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and others 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. "These final hours are not passing easily. It's difficult to accept it and to think that the moment is coming to leave the club. I'm trying to enjoy it to the max, especially on Sunday when I will say goodbye to what has been my home," Iniesta said two days ahead of his final match with Barca.

"I am left with the pride I feel for having grown as a person and player in this club, for me it's the best in the world," a choked Iniesta added. Today's match at the Camp Nou against Real Sociedad will be Iniesta's last for Barcelona.

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!