Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta immediately lands new job after retiring from football aged 40
ANDRES INIESTA is already looking to land a new job after retiring from football.
The 40-year-old announced he was hanging up his boots earlier this month after more than two decades as a professional.
He ended his career in the United Arab Emirates with Emirates Club after a stint in Japan with Vissel Kobe.
However, Iniesta is best remembered for his time with Barcelona after coming through the club’s famed La Masia academy.
Less than a month on from retiring, though, the former midfielder is already looking to get back into the sport.
Iniesta has joined a coaching course to begin his pathway into management.
The Spaniard is already studying on a UAE FA course in the Middle East.
He shared an update with fans after beginning the course, sharing a series of snaps to social media.
In a post on X, Iniesta wrote: “First days in the coaching course. Thank you @uaefa_ae for giving me the opportunity to start learning and training.”
His move towards coaching comes after he emotionally announced he was ending his career.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Iniesta’s decision even prompted a statement from Barca’s bitter rivals Real Madrid honouring his career.
During his time with the Blaugrana, Iniesta made 674 appearances, scoring 57 goals and providing 135 assists.
Andres Iniesta's incredible career
Honours
Barcelona:
La Liga x9, Champions League x4, Copa del Rey x6, Spanish Supercup x5, Uefa Super Cup x2, Club World Cup x3
Vissel Kobe:
J-League, Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super Cup
International:
World Cup – 2010, European Championship – 2008 and 2012
Stats:
Barcelona (2002 – 2018) – 674 appearances, 57 goals
Vissel Kobe (2018 – 2023) – 134 appearances, 26 goals
Emirates Club (2023 – 2024) – 23 appearances, 5 goals
Spain (2006 – 2018) – 131 appearances, 13 goals
He also won 32 major trophies for the club, including four Champions Leagues and nine LaLiga titles.
At international level, Iniesta scored 14 goals in 131 caps for Spain.
His most famous strike came in extra time of the 2010 World Cup final with the winning goal against the Netherlands.
That triumph came in between winning the Euros in both 2008 and 2012.