Twitter Reacts to News of Andres Iniesta's Decision to Quit Barcelona at End of the Season

Andres Iniesta has confirmed that he won't be playing his football at Barcelona next season, bringing an end to the rife speculation over his future. The

Andres Iniesta has confirmed that he won't be playing his football at Barcelona next season, bringing an end to the rife speculation over his future.

The Spanish midfielder, who joined the club as an 12-year-old and is a product of their famed La Masia academy, was given a 'lifetime' contract last October and had the option of remaining at the Camp Nou until he retired. 

However, after weeks of speculation, he has confirmed what many already suspected - his decision to leave at the end of the season and bring an end to a glittering 22-year spell in Spain.

🔊 Andrés Iniesta: "I want to thank my team mates" #Infinit8Iniesta pic.twitter.com/V2OsNak4ox

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 27, 2018

"I want to make public my decision that this is my last season at FC Barcelona," the 33-year-old Spaniard said at an emotional press conference held on Friday, hardly able to hold back the tears. "It is a decision that I have considered, valued and designed internally.

"It's very tough for me to say goodbye. Thanks to the club, all of my teammates, my wife and family, and those who have been there every day these years. All the fans, for their unconditional affection. As a person your support has been unbelievable."

One of the best footballers of his generation and all-time, the outpouring on Twitter was immediate for the legendary playmaker:

Thank you forever @andresiniesta8#Infinit8Iniesta pic.twitter.com/xAJXJklKsT

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 27, 2018

Today @andresiniesta8 announced he will leave @LaLigaEN

We want to say congratulations to a legend of Spanish football on a stunning career with @FCBarcelona

You will always have our respect and appreciation and we wish you luck in your next adventure pic.twitter.com/kQYXwivq8W

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) April 27, 2018

Andrés Iniesta is the only player in history to named Man of the Match in a EUROs final, World Cup final and Champions League final.

One of the greatest. 🙏🥇 pic.twitter.com/X6xS8kPxKP

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) April 27, 2018

Guys in all my years of living on this earth.....I’ve never seen Barcelona without Iniesta. I’m finished.

— Naseeha (@FCNazalona) April 27, 2018

I’m happy to see Iniesta leaving Barcelona on a high, with the fans and colleagues begging him not to go. Shows it’s the right time, so he can leave with his head held high and respected by everyone until the end.

Proper send off, he’ll be back to the club someday!

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) April 27, 2018

What a day!

Peace in Korea

ABBA reunion

Iniesta leaving Barcelona

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) April 27, 2018

29th October 2002: Andres Iniesta makes his first team debut for Barcelona.
27th April 2018: Andres Iniesta announces that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

A legend forever. #infinit8Iniesta pic.twitter.com/C66zTQ1JZ5

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 27, 2018

Zinedine Zidane: "If you like football, it’s difficult seeing Iniesta leave. I don’t see him a Barça player, I see him as a football player." pic.twitter.com/IxGIfEJ5wx

— Players Sayings (@PlayersSayings) April 27, 2018

Guardiola on Iniesta: "I want to thank him. People think managers help the players but he helped me understand the game better, just watching how he plays the game. Hopefully he comes back to Barcelona to teach young players, or professional players, what he showed on the pitch."

— Sam Lee (@SamLee) April 27, 2018

What a role model Iniesta has been for young ballers 🔥 A player impossible to replace at Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/nWDH61yYJy

— The F2 (@TheF2) April 27, 2018

There won’t be another like Iniesta. Not simply in football terms but on a personal level as well. He transcends the traditional rivalry and hatred which exists in the game. He’s unique; a legend not only at Barcelona but in football in general. Gracias Don @andresiniesta8.

— Andrew Gaffney (@GaffneyVLC) April 27, 2018

There are very few players like Iniesta left. Respectable, dignified, gracious, graceful - a player well respected by all fanbases. A great person & a legend, in the way he played the game, what he gave to Barça, the things he achieved.
You love football, you love Iniesta. pic.twitter.com/FKFfH6p8xN

— Alex Truica (@AlexTruica) April 27, 2018

While Barcelona brought in Philippe Coutinho in January as a long-term successor, Iniesta is one of those players teams simply cannot replace and he will leave a big hole in the Catalan side.