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Andrés Iniesta played his one thousandth professional match on Saturday, making him “privileged,” as he declared after facing Emirates FC in the UAE Proleague against Ajman.
Iniesta played his tenth match for Emirates. He joined the squad from Vissel Kobe, Japan, and made only three stops along the route.
Iniesta, who turns 40 on May 11th, adds twelve matches with Emirates to the 723 he has played with FC Barcelona (49 with Barça B and 674 with the senior squad), as well as 131 international outings with the Spanish National squad and 134 with Vissel Kobe.
In those thousand matches, Iniesta has scored 104 goals, assisted 192 times, and won 38 titles, including one World Cup, two European Championships, four Champions Leagues, and ten La Liga titles. He has never received a red card in his entire career.
“Reaching this milestone is really meaningful to me. When I played on the fields of Fuentealbilla or Albacete, my aim was to become a footballer, but I never envisaged having such a long and wonderful career,” the midfielder stated in words released by NSN (Never Say Never), the player’s agency.
“I consider myself fortunate for everything I’ve gone through and the love I’ve gotten over the years. “A thousand thanks to everyone who has supported me, especially my parents and family, for their unwavering support,” he stated.
Andrés Iniesta reaches milestone with 1000 professional games celebration
Barcelona and Xavi congratulate Andres Iniesta on his 1000th senior career appearance.
Barcelona and Xavi have congratulated Andres Iniesta, who made his 1,000th appearance during an Emirates FC match.
The midfielder reached the milestone in a UAE Pro League game, playing 80 minutes in his team’s 2-0 defeat.
Barcelona fans were quick to celebrate their legend after he wrote about his accomplishment on social media.
Iniesta wrote, “1,000 matches… When I played for Fuentealbilla or Albacete, I never believed I’d have such a lengthy and successful career as a professional football player. Thank you for all your love. “Long live football!”
Former midfield teammate Xavi was also questioned about Iniesta’s new success during his pre-match press conference, and he was clearly overjoyed for him.
“Iniesta is the greatest talent I have ever seen in Spanish football,” stated the Spaniard. “1,000 games is a lot. I like and love him; he is a wonderful buddy. “One of the best players in football history.”
Congratulations, Andrés Iniesta!
