Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, who won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with an all-conquering Spain team, announced his retirement from football on Tuesday at the age of 40.
"Being on the pitch is over," a visibly emotional Iniesta told reporters at an event in Barcelona.
"I can't stay away from football, it's my life and will continue to be my life," he added, saying he was planning to go into coaching.