Andrés Iniesta took his place in a packed press room at the Ciutat Esportiva this afternoon to formally announce his departure from FC Barcelona, the club where he has spent the last 22 years, at the end of the season. He says goodbye after having won 31 trophies with the Blaugranas - a number which is almost certain to rise to 32 in the next few days, and in front an audience which found it impossible to control their own emotions - team mates, family, coaching staff, club employees and over 100 members of the international media.
When he was asked whether his new club was already official, he responded negatively: "I can only say that I won't join a club that can compete with Barcelona. So it will be outside of Europe."
The player announced he was leaving at the end of the season, with tears streaming down his face.
"This press conference is to make public the decision that this season is my last season here," he began.
"It's been a very tough but thoughtful decision.
"After 22 years here I know what it means to be a Barcelona player, the best team in the world for me.
"If I had imagined finishing my career here, it would have needed to have been this way: feeling useful, important and as a starter.
"It's a very difficult day for me because I've been here all my life and say to goodbye, it's complicated.
Sixteen of his 22 years were spent in the first team, and the announcement brings an end to an extraordinary career that has earned him all possible titles at his club.
Only the Ballon d'Or is missing and even France Football apologised this week for not awarding him one.
Iniesta will finish the season at Barcelona and will have time to win one more league title, likely to be confirmed on Sunday at the Estadio Riazor.
Then he will play the World Cup in Russia, which will also be his last games for the Spanish national team.
