Barcelona president pays heartfelt tribute to Iniesta – ‘The past, present, and future of our club’ | OneFootball

Tributes and well-wishes are pouring in from all quarters as Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta announced his retirement from football today.

The former Barça captain, one of the greatest ever to don the Blaugrana jersey, brought an end to an illustrious career after his spell at UAE-based Emirates FC came to an end this past summer.

Former teammates, managers, and rivals have all been paying homage to the midfield magician and Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also now joined in.

Laporta hails Iniesta as the past, the present, and the future of Barça

In a brief interview with Barça One, Laporta encapsulated all the footballing and human virtues of Iniesta. The Barcelona president emphasized that the club icon native is “a key person in understanding Barça’s successes and values“.

Stating that Iniesta is a player who defines the values and successes of La Masia and Barcelona in general, Laporta said:

“Iniesta is a key person in understanding Barça’s successes and values. He’s a homegrown player, from La Masia, and he transmits extraordinary values.”

Continuing he added: “He transmits the values of commitment, sense of responsibility, effort, and love for the colours.”

This is why Laporta highlighted that many current Barcelona players have looked up to the eternal No. 8 as their idol and role model.

“Andres is the past, present, and future of our club. Iniesta is part of Barça’s shield, he is an extraordinary person,” he remarked.

Joan Laporta paid a touching tribute to Iniesta. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The Barcelona president also reflected on his own relationship with the club legend, stating:

“I had Andres as a player during my first stint as president and the relationship was very good, he was a player who built team spirit, a very committed footballer.”

The Barcelona chief did not shy away from defining Iniesta’s pure footballing aspects, as he said:

“In the collective memory of the Culés, that elegance will always remain, the way he moved, turned, and dribbled.”

“Beyond his virtues in the game, I cherish the humility he showed while playing, which made you proud to be a Barça fan, and how he was loved by everyone for the sportsmanship and humanity he transmitted.“

When asked about what he thought was Iniesta’s most memorable moment as a Barcelona player, Laporta responded by saying:

“The moment I remember most is the Stamford Bridge goal, which was wonderful, but there are many plays and actions of his that will forever be etched in the minds of Barcelona fans.”

While Iniesta has now retired as a professional player, his legacy will remain eternal.