Real Madrid send a classy retirement message to Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta has announced his retirement from professional football, aged 40. Real Madrid have sent the Barcelona legend a classy retirement message.

For as long as fans can remember, El Clasico has dominated the worldwide football narrative, let alone Spanish football. Both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have contributed massively to the growth of the sport, not just in Europe but across the globe.

La Liga has been home to some of the best players in the history of the sport. Real Madrid fans would argue they've had the better share of footballing legends but there are times where we have to hold our hands in the air and appreciate players of rival colours.

This is certainly the case with the recently retired Andres Iniesta.

Real Madrid send a classy retirement message to Andres Iniesta

The FC Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has today announced his retirement from professional football. The Spanish midfielder is 40 years old and as of today, has hung up his boots for the final time.

In true Real Madrid fashion, they have shown their true colours and class. Despite the rivalry with FC Barcelona, they have sent Andres Iniesta a classy retirement message.

In a statement, Real Madrid said: "Following Andrés Iniesta's announcement that he is retiring from professional football, Real Madrid C. F., its President and its Board of Directors would like to express their recognition, admiration and affection for one of the biggest legends of Spanish and world football."

Real Madrid also commented on the accolades Andres Iniesta achieved and helped with the expansion of the Spanish national team: "Andrés Iniesta has enriched the sport through his football and his values, in addition to the numerous trophies he has won during his career. His iconic goal in the 2010 World Cup Final in South Africa will forever remain in the memory of every Spanish fan."

Finally, Real Madrid concluded: "Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life."

Listen, Real Madrid fans will not be overwhelmed with emotion when hearing about Andres Iniesta's retirement. This is just the nature of the Clasico rivalry.

However, Real Madrid fans, like the club itself, can hold their hands in the air enough and say "fair enough." Without Andres Iniesta, the Clasico rivalry would not have been as infamous as it remains today. He certainly left his mark on Spanish football.

Andres Iniesta's retirement signifies the beginning of the end of an era. It is only when the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets hang up their boots will the most iconic El Clasico era be put completely to bed.

We are also wishing Andres Iniesta and his family all the best in retirement.

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