Iniesta's last waltz?

Matt Morley 6 years ago 7.5k
Iniesta played a starring role at the Wanda Metropolitano. AFP

Barcelona's crushing 5-0 Copa del Rey final victory over Sevilla on Saturday night looks likely to be Andres Iniesta's last final in a 'blaugrana' shirt and if that is the case, the veteran playmaker bowed out in some style.

The Spanish international had played in seven Copa del Rey finals before Saturday's showdown, with the first coming back in 2008/09, as the Catalans came from behind to see off Athletic Bilbao 4-1.

A pair of defeats to arch-rivals Real Madrid paved the way for a spell of incredible Copa success, with Saturday's victory making Barca only the third side to take home the title four years in succession.

However, his cup exploits are just the tip of the iceberg. Iniesta now has 31 titles to his name as a Barcelona player, a figure that will soon become 32 when their impending league triumph is confirmed.

To many, Iniesta is a player that defined a generation. His poise, precision and impeccable passing are almost expected of a midfielder these days after the man from La Mancha spent so long making eveything look so easy, whilst he also possessed an inate ability to beat players rarely seen in a central midfielder.

Whilst he wasn't the biggest in stature, Iniesta more than made up for it with his character on and off the pitch. He came to symbolise everything Barca stood for and was a walking endorsement of their much heralded La Masia academy.

Sadly, though, it appears his race is run at the Camp Nou, with rumours growing ever stronger that he will be making the move to the Chinese Super League sooner rather than later.

If that does prove to be the case then he couldn't have asked for a much better way to bow out than a thumping final victory, marked with a coolly-taken goal.

In doing the double, Iniesta will be doing what he always insisted he wanted to, leaving on a high.

Every good showman leaves the crowd wanting more.

Mentioned in the news story

Andres Iniesta
Barcelona
Copa del Rey