Andres Iniesta sits alone on the Nou Camp pitch until 1amGetty Images - GettyEmotional Andres Iniesta returns to the pitch barefoot after playing his last gameGetty Images - Getty
Players and fans from both sides applauded captain Iniesta, 34, from the get go and raised the roof when he was substituted off after 82 minutes.
The Spain ace had tears in his eyes and broke down on the bench after being given a heartwarming farewell.
His Barcelona team-mates hurled him into the air at full-time as they celebrated both his incredible 16-year senior career AND winning La Liga.
But hours later, a barefoot Iniesta returned to the pitch and sat in the centre-circle with his head slumped.
Andres Iniesta sits on the Nou Camp pitch remembering his time as a Barcelona playerGetty Images - GettyAndres Iniesta sits looking at his phone on the Nou Camp pitchGetty - ContributorAndres Iniesta returns to the pitch when all fans and players are goneGetty Images - GettyAndres Iniesta cuts a lonely figure as he recollects his Barcelona careerGetty Images - GettyAndres Iniesta walks off the Nou Camp pitch as a player for the last timeGetty Images - Getty
AFP OR LICENSORS Andres Iniesta broke down in tears after playing for Barcelona for the final time[/caption]
EPA The midfield maestro was chucked in the air as Barca also celebrated their Spanish league title[/caption]
Speaking after the match, a tearful Iniesta said: “These have been 22 unbelievable years and it has been an honour to defend this club – for me the best club in the world.
“I want to thank every one of my team-mates and all of you in the stadium. I’m leaving aged 34 years and I just want to say that my heart will be here for ever.”
Barca boss Ernesto Valverde said: “I will be able to say in the future that I was the Barcelona manager for the game that he left the club. He is someone who will never be repeated.
“I think it was an emotional night for everyone. He is a legend here. He is the standard bearer.”
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REUTERS Iniesta was given a framed shirt by his team-mates after the game[/caption]
Iniesta won nine La Liga titles during his time in CatalonaAFP
AP:Associated Press The Barca squad also celebrated their La Liga triumph in front of 90,000 at the Nou Camp[/caption]
Barcelona paid tribute to Andres Iniesta ahead of kick-off in his final gameAFPThe ace was given a guard of honour against Real SociedadEPAIniesta is leaving Barcelona after 22 years of service – and 22 major trophiesEPAIniesta was delighted with the reception he receivedAFPBarcelona fans thanked Iniesta for his years of serviceAFPIniesta is expected to move to the Chinese Super League this summerEPAIniesta also won four Champions Leagues, as well as two Euros and the World Cup with SpainAFP
Iniesta won nine La Liga titles, six Copa del Reys, the Club World Cup three times and the Champions League FOUR times at the Nou Camp.
He also played a key role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph – scoring the winner in the final – as well as the two Euro victories in 2008 and 2012.
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