Andres Iniesta ready for one last task with Barcelona against Real Sociedad in La Liga

David Cooper - Writer 20:20 19/05/2018
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  • Andres Iniesta celebrated the end of his career in style on Friday night – but he still has one last job to do as Barcelona take on Real Sociedad at what will be an emotional Nou Camp.

    The Blaugrana icon will make his 674th and last appearance for the club on Sunday evening (22:45 GST) before he decides on his future.

    He is expected to go either China or Japan, but recent reports suggest that Pep Guardiola is set to offer him the opportunity to replace Arsenal-bound Mikel Arteta as player-coach at Manchester City.

    However, the 34-year-old has been living firmly in the past of late as current and former team-mates and coaches all attended a special send-off to mark the end of his Barcelona career.

    “Being honest, it’s really difficult,” Iniesta said at the prospect of leaving the club on Friday night.

    “It’s hard to accept it after all this time. I’m trying to enjoy it. I’ll try to enjoy Sunday [his final game for Barcelona] when I say goodbye to what’s been my home. It’s very emotional.”

    Special messages from luminaries such as Neymar, Ronaldinho, Guardiola and Gary Lineker were played to the audience.

    Iniesta also joined Barca greats old and new Xavi, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba up on stage to reminisce on some of the departing Spain legend’s finest moments.

    In his farewell speech, Iniesta added: “I never wanted to talk about titles, only about giving thanks to all the amazing people I’ve met during my time at the club.

    “It’s been a pleasure being your captain, and I’ll miss you all so much.”

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