Full stop at the end of Andrés Iniesta's time at Barça after 22 years, 16 in the first team. The captain has ended the rumours and said that he is leaving at the end of the season, satisfied: "I believe that the club and I have given everything". He said he feels proud when he looks back over what he has achieved at Barça, hinting at the possibility of returning when he hangs up his boots: "hopefully I can return to Barça to pass on everything I've learnt over this time".
In the press room at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper complex, to huge press interest, Iniesta justified his decision in front of his family, the majority of the first team (Leo Messi and Luis Suárez being absent for personal reasons), president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the whole technical staff, headed by coach Ernesto Valverde. "I've tried to be honest and this is the main reason why my time here is ending", he said with tears in his eyes before receiving a warm ovation.
His speech was thoughtful and involved thanking everyone who has accompanied him on his long, prolific journey. "It's a well-considered decision, well-evaluated and well-thought through internally and as a family", said Barça's number 8 in his most difficult press conference yet. "I've always believed that the club which welcomed me when I was 12 deserves my best and I know that in the near future I won't be able to give that," he said.
Iniesta is leaving because he wants to. And he does so feeling important. The captain, after lifting the Copa del Rey and with the League title within reach, steps aside knowing that he could continue to play at Camp Nou. "By nature and the laws of life, what comes from here on is ever more complicated and difficult. As such I wouldn't forgive myself living through any uncomfortable situation with the club which has given me everything", he said as cameras flashed. "I am who I am today thanks to the club and the Masia", he added, using the popular name for Barça's youth academy, training and residence facilities.
His imminent future remains unknown, despite reports suggesting he will head to China, where they are waiting for him with open arms. About to turn 34, Iniesta believes he can continue to deliver after the upcoming World Cup in Russia. What he is certain about, however, is that he doesn't want to play against the club which has seen him grow and triumph: "There are things to discuss and agree, but all scenarios which are not Europe are possible".
The captain will have five matches, those remaining in the League, to bid farewell to fans of the club and Spanish football, who always applaud him anyway. These five dates will also be for him to bid farewell to Leo Messi, one of his great partners in recent years: "it's been an honour and a privilege to share a team with him and so many magical moments because I believe there's nobody better. I've always said that Messi is a fundamental part of why this time aims for winning titles."
Iniesta said goodbye with the same simplicity of that first trip from his small home town of Fuentalbilla in the south-east of Spain to Barcelona. Now, however, he is a football legend, but he also wants to be remembered as someone who has had an influence beyond the pitch: "in the end, football passes and people remain. I've tried to be a great player, a great sportsperson and a great person". Earlier he had commented: "I've always wanted to represent this club in the best way possible and I hope to have achieved it".
Barça now has to face the day it has wanted to avoid for so long. The day after Iniesta.