We begin with an end, as Andres Iniesta has confirmed that he will be leaving Barcelona at the end of this season, after 16 years with the senior team and six with the Catalan club's youth side. One of the best players of all time, and the man who scored the winner for Spain over Holland in the 2010 World Cup, the 33 year old stopped short of saying that his next club would be in China, as has been widely reported, but said he wouldn't be playing in Europe, against Barca. Football fans across Spain paused to mark the end of an era, especially in Iniesta's home village, where his family's winery could benefit if he goes to China. Al Goodman reports.

It's a long way from Andres Iniesta's village of Fuentealbilla, in southeastern Spain, to China. So, everyone at a bar here was closely following the announcement by the town's most famous son -- at a news conference in Barcelona -- that he would leave FC Barcelona, after an illustrious career.

ANDRES INIESTA BARCELONA CAPTAIN & MIDFIELDER "This is my last season here. It's a decision made after very careful consideration, on my own, and with my family."

Iniesta turns 34 in May. He started in Barcelona's youth program, and as a clever and tenacious midfielder, he's won practically everything as a professional. Eight Spanish league titles and likely a ninth this weekend, four Champions League trophies, and he kicked Spain's winning goal over Holland in the World Cup in 2010.

ANDRES INIESTA 2010 WORLD CUP WINNER WITH SPAIN "I know the responsibility it means to be captain of this club. So being honest with myself, and with the club, I know my time ends now."

Iniesta said he'd wouldn't play against Barca on a European club, but he wouldn't confirm widespread reports that he's heading to a Chinese club. But various hometown people who know Iniesta say -- off camera -- they think it will be China. The family's winery is reported to be part of such a deal. A statue of Iniesta at the winery shows the branding link between his football career and the winery. The family has grown grapes for decades but has only been making wine on their own for a decade. Yet they're already selling in China.

AL GOODMAN FUENTEALBILLA, SPAIN "Andres Iniesta's family built the big modern winery building here just eight years ago. It was a clear bet then on the future of this business, which now has the potential for very sharp growth in China."

The winery already has a brand on sale in China called A.I.8, for his initials and his Barca jersey number.

Back at the town bar, Iniesta's uncle, fought back emotion as he watched the announcement.

ANDRES INIESTA'S UNCLE WISHING CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR HIS NEPHEW "Wherever he goes, I hope he will be happy, like he's been at Barcelona, and I’m sure he will do well, because he's got a good head."

Iniesta said there are still some details to work, but he'll announce his future plan soon, after the season ends. Expectations are high, especially in his hometown. Al Goodman, CGTN, Fuentealbilla, Spain.