Querido Don Andres
As you embark into the final sunset of your career, we as fans of the beautiful game like to take a moment to thank you. To thank you for the countless moments of magic that we seemed to overlook. Your professionalism day in and day out while wearing the most beautiful jersey in the entire World. A prime example of how a professional footballer should behave both on the field and off the field. Never involved in any off the field controversy. A man of few words who let the ball on his feet do the talking. An idol for so many of us who were learning how to play the game by tuning into the Barcelona game every weekend.
You never fit the profile of the ideal footballer. Short, scrawny and with a receding hairline from his early years. Yet somehow, you’ve become a synonym for beauty in my eyes. The things you’re capable of doing on the pitch is something I’ve never seen before. Effortless class done almost flawlessly day in and day out. The “pale faced assassin” has always been one of my favorite nicknames for you because I think it correctly describes you. An innocent looking man who can split your defenses with a single pass or dribble leaving you wondering how a human would have seen that unravel in his mind.
No matter how many times opponents turned to violence as way to stop you, you never once fought back. In your 15+ years with the first team, I cannot recall a single moment in which you resorted to violence. And we’ve seen some of the most vicious tackles on you. Players that had grown weary of watching you keep the ball glued to your foot for 90 minutes often went into a tackle with the intent of taking out your legs because they knew they wouldn’t get the ball. As a player who has trouble controlling his anger on the field, watching you maintain your cool and never retaliation left me astonished.
I remember growing up and replaying your highlights over and over again on my iPod touch. Your goal against Chelsea which still gives me goosebumps to this day. Your amazing dribble in the corner flag in Russia in 2012. The sensational run against PSG in 2015 to seal the fixture. That magical turn also against PSG in 2013 which you executed so effortless. And of course, THAT goal in South Africa. Surrounded by my family around the TV watching the biggest game in the World nervously watching as the game appeared to be going into penalties. A plate full of grease left over from the pizza we had ordered to eat during the game. As soon as you controlled the ball, I knew I was witnessing something special. The ball hung up in the air for what appeared to be ages. The way you hit that ball perfectly into the far post is nothing short of admirable.
You were never the best goalscorers but you always knew when to score massive goals.
In an age where statistics dominate the football conversations, you opened my eyes to the true meaning of the game. Anyone who watches the game for goals and statistics exclusively missed out on the best midfielder I have ever seen. The true beauty in football has no statistics. A true footballer can appreciate the magic only the eye can see. You went more than a year without scoring a goal and even then, you continued to orchestrate Barcelona to a treble. Yes it was amazing to see you score but your best highlights were not shown on SportsCenter or replayed all over social media. A player that was vastly underappreciated because he never had flashy haircuts, tattoos or bragged about his accomplishments to the media. The perfect example of a humble magician.
They say no player is bigger than a club. Which is true. After Ronaldinho left, Barcelona won the treble. After Puyol and Valdes left, Barcelona would again win the treble. Even after Xavi’s departure, Barcelona won the double. Life will go on in Barcelona. That does not take away from the fact that you will be missed. We’ll miss the way you controlled the game with your Nike Magistas. The way your balding head shined under the bright lights of the Camp Nou. Your smile and nobility even during the toughest games of the season. Even your trademark “thumbs up” selfies you’d post on social media.
Not only will we miss the magic you brought to the team every weekend, we’ll miss your overall presence on the field. For many of us, you represented magic. Magic that we will most likely never see again. As much as Barcelona want to spend on Coutinho or other players labeled “the next Iniesta” the reality is that we will never see another Iniesta. Don Andres Iniesta is a once in a lifetime player. Everyday I saw you lace up your boots, I realized how blessed I am to be able to see you play.
Good luck in any future endeavors and once again, thank you for the countless memories you’ve given us. A true example to watch. Your legacy will live on as we will all pass on your legacy to our kids and grandkids who didn’t get a chance to see you play. Your days with Barcelona may be done but your impact and legacy remain infinite.
Gracias por todo Don,
Martin Pantoja
