Andres Iniesta waved adieu to Barcelona on Sunday as his supposed successor Philippe Coutinho’s superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad. . After 22 years at the club and 16 in the first team, Iniesta’s 674 appearances for Barcelona is second only to Xavi Hernandez, who was also on the pitch before kick-off to join in the tributes.
Real Sociedad welcomed Iniesta with a guard of honour while the crowd formed an impressive mosaic to spell out ‘Infinit Iniesta’ on the two sides of the Camp Nou. An infinity symbol was doubling up as number eights, at the ends. A giant flag behind one of the goals read ‘Gracies Per Tant’ which would translate to ‘thank you for so much’.
Iniesta also exchanged pennants with Xabi Prieto, the 34-year-old midfielder who is also calling time after 15 years in the first team of Real Sociedad.