Iniesta
Flickr photo by Gerard Reyes shared under a Creative Commons (BY 2.0) license.

Why the time is right for Don Iniesta to bid farewell

Osama Saeed·
BarcelonaFootballLa Liga
·1 Comment·

European football is about to say goodbye to one of its all-time greats…

As the clock struck minute 58′ in the Camp Nou on Sunday night, the linesman readied his electronic board and the stadium erupted in applause.

It was a long walk back for Andrés Iniesta Luján, who had started his 38th (!) El Clásico. Iniesta had played a whole season worth of matches against their eternal rivals, and one could bet Real Madrid would be happy to face the back of the man for the last time.

His 58 minute stay on the pitch was as classy as ever. Iniesta offered control and harmony in the often chaotic midfield battle – marred with fouls and stoppages. As the #8 dished out two perfectly executed outside-the-boot passes to find Jordi Alba in space, one was left to wonder why Iniesta would leave when he has so much to offer?

The thought was reaffirmed as Iniesta glided through an array of challenges, only to be brought down by Bale. When he is still able to leave defences in his trail, why is he depriving the masses of his generational talent?

The answer is simple; because he can.

After all, we are talking about a two-time European Champion and the man-of-the-match of the 2010 World Cup Final. He has warranted his place in football folklore and leaves Barça as one of the most decorated Spaniard in the history of football. Despite the strained relationship between Real and Barça, Iniesta is adored all over the country. He has been the sole recipient of standing ovations all over Spain; including a particularly heart warming one in the Wanda Metropolitano. Iniesta scored and set the midfield ablaze with his pinpoint accuracy and grace in the Copa final vs Sevilla, yet the opposition’s fans could not hide the appreciation they had for the great man.

Iniesta has never been a man of words, choosing to speak on the pitch. Those who know the man, were not astounded when rumours of a possible move to China were beginning to gain momentum. The Albacete native, who has always reiterated his desire to constantly play, is aware his body might not permit him to maintain the lofty standards he has set for himself. Although evidence points to the contrary, there is no mortal capable of questioning his right to decide for himself.

Praises were shared in abundance, testament to the greatness of the player. Zidane, the player who supposedly passed on the torch to Iniesta, stated Iniesta is something above the eternal Real-Barça rivalry and is someone he admires. Sergio Ramos claimed Andrés Iniesta would have won two Balon D’ors if he was named Andresinho. A sly dig at the apparent lack of recognition for the Spaniard.

Ex mates and coaches also joined in. Several prominent figures like Messi, Eto’o, Thiago, and Fabregas paid their tributes for a stellar career. Leaving on a high, while still being a vital part of the team is exactly the farewell Iniesta would have hoped for.

Pep Guardiola, the brain behind Barça’s greatest club era, simply stated: “Thank you for making me understand the game better.”

Spurred by human nature, one would point to the monetary benefit he has to gain from shifting continents. However, after spending more than two decades playing for Barça, we can all reach a consensus that he has the right to plan for his life after the inevitable hanging of the boots.

As the man himself stated when confirming his departure from Barça, he does not want to burden the club. He does not want to make things uncomfortable for the coach, or stunt the growth of new recruits like Coutinho.

The man who has saved Barça numerous times, understandably, does not need saving. And that is a decision we all must take with utmost respect.