Rafael Nadal thanks Andres Iniesta for his contributions to football as Spanish legend calls it a day on his illustrious career

Rafael Nadal thanked Spanish legend Andres Iniesta for his contributions to football as the latter decided to hang up his boots, marking the end of one of the most prolific careers in football. An emotional Spaniard broke the news in a press conference in Barcelona on October 8.

Iniesta celebrated an illustrious career spanning 24 years in which he won the World Cup, two Euros, four Champions Leagues, nine LaLigas, and much more. He also has a few of the most iconic moments in football which include his infamous match-winning goal against the Netherlands in the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which handed Spain their first ever World Cup.

During the press conference, the Spaniard expressed pride in the career he had enjoyed.

“I never thought this day would come, but these are tears of excitement and pride, not of sadness. These are tears of the kid from Fuentealbilla who dreamed of being a footballer, and I did it; we did it. I feel very proud of this journey,” the 40-year-old said.

He also took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video of himself describing what football meant to him.

Iniesta got a nod from some legends of the sporting fraternity including Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Sergio Ramos to name a few. He also received a special thank you message from his compatriot Rafael Nadal who shared Iniesta's story on his Instagram story and said,

"Thank You Andres for your football." (a translated version of the 38-year-old's message)

Via Instagram stories.

Iniesta responded to his compatriot's message,

"Let's go Rafa! Thank You." (a translated version of Iniesta's message)

Via Instagram stories.

Interstingly, Iniesta played for Barcelona for the majority of his career, Real Madrid's biggest rival, the favorite club of Nadal.

"Andres Iniesta has always behaved with respect, naturalness, and normality, which is the most important thing" - Rafael Nadal on Football icon's humility

Rafael Nadal (Source: Getty)

During the Barcelona Open in 2018, Rafael Nadal discussed Andres Iniesta's character specifying how, despite his immense success, he was a respectful person. These comments were made when Iniesta had decided to leave Barcelona after a 16-year stay that very year.

"Iniesta has brought us joy, he's helped us be happy, enjoy ourselves and he has always behaved with respect, naturalness a,nd normality, which is the most important thing," the Spaniard said. (via sport.es)

He also described how the football legend's character made him a person, who one could look up to.

"He's a positive role model for youths, society in general and what you have to do is be grateful to him for everything he's given us and the values he's always transmitted."

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal, who seems to be heading towards the end of his career as well, will represent Spain at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals knockouts after his appearance at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event.

The Spaniard will join his Paris Olympics doubles partners Carlos Alcaraz, his former rival David Ferrer, who is the captain of the squad, Pablo Carreno Busta, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Marcel Granollers.

Up first, Spain will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on 19th November.