Adieu to the glorious Moon of Football and FC Barcelona - Andrés Iniesta

Adieu to the glorious Moon of Football and FC Barcelona - Andrés Iniesta

I don’t think anyone hates the moon. The moon with its soothing, cool rays is universally liked. I always love to watch the moon whether it is in its full glory or is waning or growing. It’s something that makes you smile. A moonlit night is a beautiful and relaxing vision. So why am I talking about the moon in my tribute to Iniesta? 

There is something about Andrés Iniesta that reminds me of the moon. Maybe it’s his gentle, round face or his sweet smile or the caring ways by which he looks out for his teammates or the quiet manners or his unassuming nature or the graceful touches of his beautiful game or the universal respect and worldwide admiration he has earned. Iniesta to me is the moon of FC Barcelona or rather football as a whole.

To do full justice to Iniesta’s footballing saga, I need to write poetry because he was a beautiful poetry in motion. Sadly I am nowhere near being a poet. So I am quoting something that befits the legend from some of my favourite poets in this little tribute to one of my all time favourite footballers - Andrés Iniesta Lujan.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever: 

its loveliness increases; 

it will never pass into nothingness.” 

– John Keats

For me personally, there was always an emotional connect to this endearing, little player. He, along with the brilliant Xavi and the special Messi, were the three players, instrumental in bringing back football into my life, after a long break. They were a unique team that redefined football in many ways.

A product of the FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia, Iniesta encompassed the philosophy of FC Barcelona in every sense – A quiet and unassuming gentleman with terrific skills and imagination, who always worked hard to excel and led his team to glory.  

As a 12 year old, he had a tough time adjusting to life away from his family, all alone in La Masia. But he was a silent kid who had a steely resolve. He took up the challenge and developed into one of the most promising and skillful players of his generation. He fought against injuries, setbacks and went on to become a legend of football. Despite the skyrocketing achievements, its noteworthy that he always remained the same normal guy – simple, quiet and totally grounded. He was never vociferous, yet in his quiet, dignified way, he had a strong influence on the team. 

The legendary Iniesta’s immortal legacy is filled with glorious chapters. He had given innumerable moments of magic and joy.  As part of the FC Barcelona team for the last 16 years, he had amassed an incredible array of 31 trophies which includes the UEFA Champions League, the La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Super Copa and the World Club Championships. 

He had enthralled us as play maker and creator, in a star studded Spanish football team and had been pivotal in the phenomenal success of Spain. From 2008 till 2012, it’s been a dream run for Spain thanks to the two colossal geniuses of FC Barcelona – Iniesta and Xavi. They were the true leaders of their national team. With Spain, he had won two back to back European titles and the 2010 World Cup. With a total haul of 34 trophies - he is deservedly the most decorated Spanish player till date.
  

It was only apt that Iniesta scored the winning goal in the World Cup Final against the Netherlands. It was the crowning glory of his illustrious International Career.

Andrés Iniesta had now reached a stage where he had to contemplate about other things in life, apart from football. It’s the end of one wonderful aspect of his life and the beginning of another beautiful one. Hopefully Barcelona would find new players to fit in his position and be a success in the near future.  But Andrés Iniesta would stand apart, for what he was as a player and a person - A unique and once in a lifetime talent to be treasured and cherished.

Iniesta was the uniting factor in a fractured Spanish League where fierce loyalties and bitter rivalries rule the roost. Every club of Spain appreciated the genius wholeheartedly and that speaks volumes of his persona and his achievements. He had been lovingly nicknamed as El Cerebro (The Brain) for creativity, El Ilusionista (The Illusionist) because of his divine abilities and Don Andrés for being the fearless leader of his pack. He was a player loved and respected by players and football fans alike 

For any Barca fan, Iniesta was an integral and influential part of the folklore of Barcelona’s dream generation. The magical trio of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi (all students of La Masia) consistently produced extraordinary and unbelievable moments of wizardry. It was a peerless golden triad who took Barcelona to amazing heights as a club.

As a player Iniesta was neither the flamboyant kind nor physically intimidating. His skills and movements were unobtrusive. His game was about sublime and smooth as silk touches, combined with sudden and unexpected agility, which left the opposition bemused and stunned. Blink! and you would miss him. Just like the moon effortlessly, gliding among the clouds, he waltzed in and out, weaving his magic. He had a tremendous awareness of space and time. He had the unbelievable ability to make everything come to a standstill and then start again, in the middle of a run. He was a pragmatic genius who perfectly anticipated the movements of his team mates and provided astounding passes. He was the creative base from which Barcelona bloomed into a world class unit. 

He was not a prolific goal scorer, but whenever he did, they turned out to be decisive in most cases. Similarly he rarely let out his emotions in the playground. But there were some special occasions when the great, little man reacted and showed how sensitive he actually was and how much, certain things, meant to him. 


One of the big moments that stands out was after scoring the winning goal in the World Cup finals. A roaring Iniesta removed his jersey and displayed a message underneath, for the whole world to see, which said “Dani Jarque, always with us.”  It was a touching tribute to his friend, Dani Jarque (the Espanyol Captain) who had passed away tragically due to a heart attack. 

Similarly, when Pep Guardiola started as the coach of the team, he faced some tough times as he started to test his strategies and brought in players to suit his style of play. It seemed to backfire and he was under tremendous pressure. To his surprise, Iniesta - the silent one, came up to him and told him not to worry, to keep doing what he was doing and they would definitely start to click. For the surprised Pep the backing of the quiet Iniesta was most comforting in that difficult moment. What they achieved after that was incredible. Under Pep, FC Barcelona went on to create a remarkable history that was the stuff of dreams.

In Barca he was the tranquil leader who was loved and respected equally. His being around was always a reassurance for the players and the fans that everything was not lost even in the toughest of situations. He was a pillar of strength and quiet resolve in many memorable battles for FC Barcelona. During one season, Messi was sidelined by injury and making a comeback. Barca played the Clasico at the Bernabue with him on the sidelines. As he stood there, preparing to come in, Iniesta scored one of his rare goals. The first thing that he did was to run up to Messi on the sidelines and hug him in celebration, as the rest of the team joined them. As an adoring Messi aptly put it – “I particularly remember an emotional embrace at the Bernabeu after a goal. That was a lovely gesture from him."

When Xavi left Barcelona, Iniesta was the obvious leader – the Don - of the team. It was admirable the way he took up the responsibility and led the team, from the front. He had helped the transition of Barca by grooming youngsters and newcomers. The duo of Iniesta and Messi shouldered more responsibilities and worked as a determined pair. They helped the team go through the changes as smoothly as possible.

It’s only natural that a legend like Iniesta who defined a generation, had inspired a host of Spanish players to follow his steps – right from Busquets, Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Cazorla, David Silva, Juan Mata to Sergio Roberto and there would be many more in the future. He was a true role model for everyone – both as a player and as a person.

But time waits for none. With age comes the problem of fitness, fatigue and injuries. In the past few years, Iniesta had been plagued with injury problems. He was an important player and coaches used him sparingly so that he could be at his best whenever he played. He had always set lofty standards for himself. He gave his 200% for the team and when it became difficult with the passage of time - Iniesta had to rethink about continuing to play for Barca. 

He had chosen to walk away from the limelight when he was still in his prime. It’s a decision that must be respected, despite the sorrow of separation. With his leaving, a magical part of Barcelona has disappeared.  It’s the end of a magnificent era. The artist Iniesta has left behind a beautiful canvas filled with magical creations – an everlasting canvas that would enthrall as long as football remains.

We were fortunate to witness the peerless Iniesta at his supreme best for many years. He was FC Barcelona’s brilliant and unique moon, who was matchless and irreplaceable. He bid goodbye to his glittering international career after Spain lost in pre-quarters of  the World Cup 2018. Someday hopefully, Iniesta would come back to coach aspiring kids and teach them to strive harder, to be humble, to be generous, to excel and to be a true sportsperson.  The beautiful game needs more Iniestas. 

The Farewell:

Speculations were rife that Iniesta was leaving the next season. Probably the exit from this year’s Champions League after one of their worst defeats, hastened his decision. It was a match where everyone had a bad day. Iniesta had a forlorn and saddened look on his face as he was unable to raise his game to the occasion. Sitting in the dugout, he looked resigned to the fact that age was finally catching up with him. 

The goodbyes started during the Copa del Rey finals against Sevilla in the Wanda Metropolitano on April 21, 2018. The entire FC Barcelona team got together to give one of their most emphatic performances of this season which saw them lift the Copa Del Rey, in style,  for a record 30^th time. The wonderful Iniesta gave a vintage performance that was reminiscent of his best years. He also scored one of his rare and unforgettable goals, which, ironically, was assisted by Leo Messi. The celebrations after that goal gave a glimpse of how much Iniesta meant to everyone in the Barca team.  Luis Suarez kissed his cute, bald head lovingly. Everyone gathered around and took turns to hug him. The warmest hug came from Messi who just held Iniesta for a bit longer than usual, knowing that he might not have the warmth of that hug for long. 

As Iniesta was substituted, the entire stadium gave a standing ovation. He walked off slowly, wiping his tears, applauding the appreciative crowd. 

As he sat in the dugout, with tears streaking down his face, he was hugged and consoled by his mates in the dugout. 

As Captain, for one last time, he proudly lifted the Copa Del Rey on behalf of his team and celebrated the victory with his teammates and his kids. There was an underlying sadness to the celebrations of the Barcelona team that night. It was the beginning of the end of something they didn’t want to let go. 

If just watching all this was traumatic, I cannot imagine how gut-wrenching it must have been for Iniesta, who was associated with FC Barcelona since the age of 12. 

The player who would miss him the most would be Messi - who shared a partnership with him for 15 years. Many times you could see that he looked up to Andres for strength and motivation.  Their unique chemistry and longtime partnership had created a wonderful bond. Though only a couple of years older, Iniesta was Messi's silent, emotional support at all times. Till now Messi have always had the warm arms of Iniesta to encompass him in every situation. His leaving would be very difficult for Messi to comprehend. But every change would always lead to something different and better. Let’s hope this one does too.

Fighting back tears and choking with emotion, Andrés Iniesta  finally made it official at a press conference attended by his family, many of his team mates, the Barca coaching staff and directors on April 27, 2018. The following were his words: (courtesy FC Barcelona & the Daily Mail) :

"This press conference is to announce publicly my decision that this season will be my last here," he revealed. “It’s a decision I have given a lot of time and thought to on a personal level and with the family. There’s no need for people to say they want me to stay. I have always made it clear to the club I wanted to control my ‘stages’ in life and to be as honest as possible with myself and the Club. It’s the main reason towards understanding that my time here is at an end.”


 “I don’t want to kid anyone. Soon, I’ll be 34 and I have given everything over the year. Being honest with myself and with the Club that has given me everything, I understand my time here is done due to the simple fact that Club that welcomed me at 12 years of age deserves the best of me,”

 “Lots of players have left. Iniesta will go and Barça will keep winning. Football carries on and life carries on. We need a point to win the league and then, God willing, I'm off to the world Cup,' he said.  And pointing to the players who had gathered to watch his goodbye announcement, he said: 'It's not easy for the club to lose players and it is not easy for the players to leave but I have no doubt that with Sergio [Busquets] and Jordi [Alba] and Ivan [Rakitic] we will go on winning.'

Messi was not present at the event. Asked about his team-mate, Iniesta said: 'It has been an honour to share all these years with Messi. There is no one like him. He is a fundamental part of the team's success. He's unique and it has been magic to play alongside him.'

'After 25 years here I know what it's like what this club means. It is the best club in the world. I know what it means to play here year after year and the demands in every sense of the word. I know what the responsibility means to be captain at this club”

As for his future plans, he said “All the options that are not in Europe are possible. But in Europe, no, because I have always said that I will not play against Barcelona.”

Iniesta played his last Clasico as he led his team out into the Camp Nou against arch rivals Real Madrid on May 6, 2018. It was an ill tempered game filled with lot of unpleasant events. He was injured and was not fully fit. He was at the receiving end of some extremely rough challenges. Tempers were running high, but Iniesta maintained his calm, as usual, and played on. In the second half, when he was substituted, he was applauded by the adoring  home crowd. It was a sad and smiling Iniesta who left the ground. Thankfully for him, a determined Barca managed a 2-2 draw despite being reduced to 10 men for the entire 2nd half. It ended on a happy note as he danced around, barefoot, with his team mates, celebrating their League win at home.

The final goodbye at the Camp Nou:

On May 20, 2018 captain Andrés Iniesta Luján led out the FC Barcelona team into the Camp Nou against Real Sociedad for the last time. It was an emotional night for everyone – the players, staff and the supporters. The Camp Nou had one of their special mosaics in place with the wordings "Inifinit Iniesta" with the number 8 represented as the symbol of Inifinity.

Many former players, including Xavi Hernandez, were present at the stadium to witness the farewell to their legend. Iniesta put on a fantastic display showcasing what everyone would be missing in the coming years. Barca managed to end their successful La Liga campaign on a winning note against the rough Sociedad, thanks to a fantastic goal from the talented Countinho. It was a perfect parting gift for the Mr. Perfect of FC Barcelona.

As Iniesta was substituted towards the end of the game, he handed over the Captain’s armband to Messi who held him in an emotional hug for the last time. He was hugged lovingly by every one of his team mates. He applauded and blew kisses to the adoring crowd singing his name.  It was very hard to watch Iniesta in the dugout, with tears flowing, as the finality of the situation sunk it. 

There was a spectacular post match ceremony at the Camp Nou. All the players came out wearing the No. 8 Jersey with Iniesta’s name on it, as a tribute to their Captain. The La Liga trophy was presented to the winning captain and team. For the last time Iniesta held up the well-deserved trophy and celebrated with his teammates.

 “It is a difficult day,” Iniesta said in a tear-filled, emotional speech “But it has been a wonderful 22 years. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to defend and represent this club, for me, the best in the world. I thank you for all the love and respect that you've given me since I arrived as a child, I now leave as a man. I will keep you in my heart forever. ”

While many like Busquets, Luis Suarez, Alba were reduced to tears, the rest like Messi and Pique smiled and blinked back tears. The adoring Barcelona team then lovingly huddled around and tossed Iniesta into the air a few times. It was wonderful to watch a bunch of Iniestas tossing up the actual Iniesta.

All the Barca players, most with their kids sat back and enjoyed their moment with the trophies. The Camp Nou was echoing with the name of their beloved Captain as the emotional fans bid one of their favourite sons, goodbye forever.

FC Barcelona posted a number of emotional moments from Iniesta's farewell like him distributing a bunch of his jerseys to a number of ardent fans who had waited patiently and him emptying his locker at Camp Nou which made everyone choke emotionally.

Late into the night, when all the fanfare had died down and when everyone had left, Iniesta sat alone, bare foot, on the green grass of the empty Camp Nou, quietly meditating. It was as if he was coming to terms with the enormity of his decision and bidding a personal goodbye to the place which had been his home since he was 12.

Pep Guardiola, Xavi and Messi on Iniesta:
The entire footballing fraternity and fans have showered some wonderful tributes to Iniesta. Many teammates, players and coaches had said so many wonderful things about Iniesta. I am quoting the three guys who were closely associated with him -  Pep Guardiola, Xavi and Messi - below:

Guardiola : "You cannot imagine what has happened with this legacy for Barcelona and Spanish football these 15 years he was there. A masterclass. A top player.  He is one of the players who understands the game most thoroughly. It is difficult to find one better than him. He is a guy who teaches to the young kids how you have to play, how you control the ball – he is the best example you can show."

Xavi - “He's fantastic. He's the most talented Spanish player of all time. He's an amazing player and a wonderful person with a huge heart. He's excellent at everything, such as the way he treats people, and he is an example in the dressing room and on the pitch. He's a leader. He always wants the ball, he never hides. That isn't easy to find [in players]. Aside from his talent, he makes a difference in all areas of the pitch. He's extraordinary. It's an absolute pleasure to have spent so many years playing alongside him.”.

Messi – "I always picture him with the ball at his feet. That's the way I have got used to seeing him. He does everything well, with simplicity. At times, it may look like he's not doing anything, but in fact he's doing it all. Everything is different with Andrés. The hardest thing to do in football is to make it look like everything is easy, effortless, and that's Andrés.”

"We're more similar in the fact that we don't talk much. He sits in one corner, I sit in another. But we cross paths, we connect; with just a look we understand each other. We don't need more than that. On the pitch, I like him to be near me, especially when the game takes a turn for the worse, when things are difficult. That's when I say to him: 'Come closer, I want you by my side.' He takes control and responsibility; he leads the team. We've experienced very happy moments together.”

As an ardent fan, this farewell was something I never wanted to write, so soon. My heart wouldn’t let me do it – but I willed myself to, because Iniesta deserves every bit of it. For once, I am thinking about Iniesta and I am engulfed with gloom. That’s an emotion I never associated with him. Even if there were tears, it was always tears of joy. Not that Barcelona always won. But even in the worst of defeats and the toughest of situations, there was always hope of doing better the next time - thanks to extraordinary players like him who lit up the Camp Nou.  

Certain things were inconceivable and this was one such instance. I had never imagined a Camp Nou and FC Barcelona without the gentle Andrés Iniesta. Tears wouldn’t stop, thinking about the fact that he would not be leading the Barca team, the next time they walk out to the field.  That the feather like Iniesta would not float forward, from that left flank (which he had made his own for so many years) of Barca and create incredible magic, was totally incomprehensible for me. Hopefully with time, I might accept the fact that Andres Iniesta would never play for Barcelona again. 


I  am sure a number of fans like me would have stood up in our living rooms with respect and love as Iniesta walked off for the final time.  Though I did not understand a word of what he said during his farewell at Camp Nou, the tears kept flowing as it was not difficult to comprehend what he meant.

Thank you little genius for everything. The void that you leave behind would remain a void forever. You would always remain the perennial number 8 of FC Barcelona for us. Like the wonderful moon that lights up the dark, night sky, the sublime and joyous memories that you had given us would always make us smile. I truly pray and wish for the next stage of your life to be as beautiful and successful as your football. 

“Though nothing can bring back the hour

Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower;

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind;

In the primal sympathy

Which having been must ever be...”

― William Wordsworth

Good bye Iniesta and Good Luck!. May you and your dear ones be always surrounded by happiness, peace and love. Your enchanting genius and lovable personality would shine brightly forever like the Moon. We are going to miss you for a long long time. 

“The timeless in you is aware of life’s timelessness.

And knows that yesterday is but today’s memory 

and tomorrow is today’s dream.”

-Khalil Gibran

Every Barca fans would be missing Iniesta immensely and Iniesta would be equally missing his only club and home. The orchestra of Iniesta at FC Barcelona had drawn to a close. It’s time for the audience to rise, applaud and cherish its beauty forever. But somethings are infinite and Iniesta is one of them.  

Infinit8Iniesta!  - What an apt word coined by Barca to bid farewell to their legend.

Goodbye dear Andrés Iniesta. Thank you for all the joy.

Adiós querido Andrés Iniesta - la Gloriosa Luna de FC Barcelona.

Muchas gracias por toda la alegría! Buena suerte!

Image Credits - Google Images & FC Barcelona