Barcelona hold farewell event for Iniesta

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Andres Iniesta will play his final match for Barcelona when they host Real Sociedad tomorrow at the Nou Camp. And ahead of the season finale, the long-serving captain was the guest of honor, as the club respected him with a special farewell event.

The gathering took place at Barca's iconic stadium and featured Iniesta's current teammates as well as departed stars who competed alongside him over the last 16 years.

Samuel Eto'o, Xavi Hernandez and Emilio Butragueno made the trip from Real Madrid in a show of respect from Barcelona's arch-rivals. Two of Spain's top basketballers were also on hand, with brothers Marc and Pau Gasol joining in the festivities. And of course the proceedings would not be complete without the man of the hour himself.

Barcelona's president Josep Maria Bartomeu speaks during a tribute to team's midfielder and captain Andres Iniesta. /VCG Photo

Iniesta has helped Barca win nine La Liga titles, six Copa Del Reys, four Champions League trophies, and three Club World Cups. With the Spanish national team, he won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as well as a pair of Euros, earning Player of the Tournament honors in 2012.

Iniesta was also named La Liga's Best Domestic Player in 2009 and Best Attacking Midfielder five times, leaving the 34-year-old with a lifetime of memories.

"These are very moving times, especially when you see all these trophies. This is the best thing I can take home as a person, and as a footballer,” Iniesta said. “Now besides all the titles that I have won, it is very difficult to achieve the love and the affection from the fans and that is priceless."