An emotional Andres Iniesta spoke of the "love and respect" he received in Japan after playing his final match for J-League first-division side Vissel Kobe on Saturday.
Fans remained packed inside Kobe's Noevir Stadium after the 1-1 draw with Consadole Sapporo to send off the 39-year-old former Spain and Barcelona great.
Flanked by his wife and children, Iniesta wiped away tears as he was serenaded from the stands by supporters waving his No. 8 jersey and banners bearing his likeness.
"When I came to Vissel five years ago, it was impossible to imagine how beautiful and moving this journey was going to be," Iniesta said in his postgame farewell ceremony.
"The memory I treasure and take back home is the love and respect you all showed me from the first day we arrived here. I want to thank you on behalf of myself and my family."
While Iniesta decided to leave third-place Vissel mid-season after his playing time dwindled, he will remain a beloved figure in Kobe for leading the club to their first major silverware, the Emperor's Cup, on New Year's Day 2020.
He also helped them reach the semifinals of the 2020 Asian Champions League in their first appearance at the continental tournament.
"I came here in 2018 to fulfill the promise of making this club big," Iniesta said. "I feel I've managed to achieve that, and I've given my maximum both on and off the pitch. I hope you feel as much pride as I feel for this club."
Among those watching from the stands was Iniesta's former Vissel teammate and now Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi, who has credited the Spaniard for helping him reach new heights in his career.
After the ceremony, Iniesta walked up into the stands, where he shared hugs, handshakes and posed for photos with fans. His teammates also tossed him in the air in a customary Japanese team-sports celebration.
"Usually, it is hard to feel at home so far away from your home. But we felt that, and it is thanks to you all, and I'm really grateful," he said.
Although he will seek to continue his playing career at a still-unannounced destination, Iniesta's fingerprints remain on a Vissel side who now appear poised to challenge for their first J1 title.
"The last few months have been a really tough period both for me and those close to me," he said. "I have the desire to retire and close my career while playing on the pitch, and I'm taking my next step in accordance with that emotion."
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