Iniesta confirms 2017-18 season his last at Barcelona (Lead)

Barcelona April 27 (IANS) FC Barcelona captain and veteran midfielder Andres Iniesta announced on Friday that the ongoing 2017-18 football season will be his last at the Catalan club.

Iniesta joined Barcelona as a 12 year-old and has won 8 La Liga titles (it will be nine by the end of the season) 4 Champions Leagues 6 Copas del Rey 3 European and 7 Spanish Supercups and 4 World Club Championships with the club which enjoyed a trophy-laden spell.

"This is my last season here. This was a decision which took a lot of thought. For me Barça is the best club in the world -- this club has given me everything " the 33-year-old declared at a press conference.

"My only aim was to be a success at this club and I have done that. This club deserves the best version of me and in the near future I will not be able to give that -- it is best for me to leave this club feeling important still winning titles " he added.

The midfielder is expected to move to the Chinese Super League. "I have said I will never play against Barça so I won t play in Europe " Iniesta who along with retired captain Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busqets formed one of the best midfield in European football said.

"I will always carry Barcelona in my heart. I want to thank everyone who has been with me in the bad times and the good."

--IANS
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