After more than 130 caps and three major titles, including the 2010 World Cup, the former Barcelona midfielder has hung up his boots
Andres Iniesta has announced that he will retire from international football after seeing Spain crash out of the World Cup at the hands of Russia.
Iniesta started Sunday's last 16 game on the bench as coach Fernando Hierro opted to rest the Barcelona legend.
But with Spain failing to break down a determined Russia backline, Iniesta was drafted in after 67 minutes and subsequently converted his penalty after a 1-1 draw.
Koke and Iago Aspas then both failed in the shoot-out, marking a disappointing end to the midfielder's glorious Spain career.
"This was my last game for Spain and a wonderful journey is over," says Iniesta to reporters after the defeat. "Sometimes the end is not as you would have dreamed it."
Iniesta played a total of 131 times for Spain, scoring on 13 occasions in national team colours
His place in Roja folklore was assured in 2010 upon hitting the winning goal in the World Cup final against Netherlands, while he also lifted European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.
INIESTA'S HIGHLIGHTS FOR SPAIN
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amber79707
314
I know this news was coming after today's loss but iniesta is and always be a legend
_dark__shadow_
267
Miss you Legend 😭😭
karim10
250
The most complete midfielder ever happened in Football. All the best Iniesta and thank you for the memories.
Milin Grover
213
all the best for your future legend..the magician , the artist..word are not enough to define you..goodbye and all the best for your future
Dhanraj SR4 Madrista
129
miss you maestro Iniesta one of the best midfielder of all time ...[Cry][Cry][Cry]
ResHiFaziL
81
As expected.Salute to you sir.legendary player.Most 😥😥probably the backbone of Barca and Spain midfield.💪💪.The whole world will miss you ..😔😔.But we love and respect you always🤗🤗.Bye bye Sir Andres Iniesta😎😎
Willy-MC
78
Gracias legend. you such a wonderfull player i've ever seen. thankyou for carrying spain. This is the time for next generation carrying spain. Goodluck, Legend!!
biuimpy
73
You broke my heart sometimes in your Barcelona colors as a Chelsea Fc fan, but you are one footballer I have always admired. your partnership with Xabi in both Barcelona and Spanish colors were to me one of the very best pairs I have seen in world football, helping Messi to be the World best even at your expense. Because as far as I am concerned, not minding what FIFA did to rob you that year, you are my world Footballer of the Year 2010. because it was a world cup year, Inter Milan won Champions League, that May, and Spain won the world Cup, Messi was on injury list for too long that year, he was sent parking by Germany, so how come he became a world best that was rightfully yours. Andres Iniseta, my 2010 Player of the Year, take a bow. I salute you, strong Legend
SarowarShams
70
Infinity🔁Iniesta, football will never forget this magical Iniesta ❤
henkrythemadhunter
68
i would never thought that football was so much cruel 😢😢😢😢but one legend go and another legends appeared but feeling sad for him 😭😭😭😭😭