Bye Bye Barca - Emotional Iniesta confirms departure from boyhood club

BARCELONA, Spain (AP):

Andres Iniesta took two deep breaths, and then said the words that announced his story-book career at Barcelona was coming to an end.

In an emotional news conference yesterday attended by most of his team-mates, his family and club executives, the midfielder, who has embodied Barcelona's creative attacking style, said that he was leaving after 16 trophy-packed seasons.

"I have spent all my life here at this club and it is not easy to leave," Iniesta said, after fighting back tears and regaining his composure. "My time here ends this season. I understand that the club that took me in at 12, deserves the best of me in return, and I have given it that until now, but in the near future, I won't be able to, both physically and mentally.

"The club has placed its confidence," he said. "And I have always said that if I am not able to give my all to my club that has given me everything, then I wouldn't be happy."

Iniesta, who turns 34 on May 11, said that he intends to continue playing but did not reveal what his next club will be.

"I have always said that I would never compete against my club, so all the options outside Europe are open," Iniesta said. "When the season is over we will know my choice."

Local media reported that the Spain midfielder will be signing a lucrative contract with a club in the Chinese league.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were his only team-mates not present to receive Iniesta's thanks. The club said that they had personal commitments they could not break.

Iniesta left his village in southern Spain to join Barcelona's youth academy when he was 12. He went on to become one of the best players in their history, helping the team win 31 titles - a club record he shares with Messi.

Iniesta has helped Barcelona win four Champions League titles, eight Spanish leagues, six Copa del Reys, three Club World Cups, seven Spanish Super Cups and three European Super Cups.

And Iniesta is expected to get one more trophy for the club with Barcelona on the cusp of clinching the league title.