Andres Iniesta returns to Barcelona training grounds as special guest

TOKYO, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 07: Andres Iniesta speaks to prior to the preseason friendly match between Vissel Kobe and Inter Miami at National Stadium on February 07, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan.

Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images

Andres Iniesta recently announced his retirement from professional football in an emotional ceremony. The Spanish maestro bows out of the game as one of the most decorated players in history, having won everything there is at both club and international level.

The 40-year-old received huge praise from Lionel Messi, his long-term teammate at the club. The Spanish midfielder, in his ceremony, admitted that he would be eager to reconnect with the club in some capacity in the future.

As per Mundo Deportivo, Andrés Iniesta visited Barcelona’s training session under Hansi Flick, where he met and greeted the German coach. The 40-year-old also posed for pictures with Dani Olmo and Fermín López.

Gavi was also present in the training session as the 20-year-old builds his way back to full fitness. The likes of Olmo and Fermin are also recovering well and are expected to be available at Flick’s disposal after the international break.

With a number of first-team players on international duty, Barca Athletic players stepped into the training session under Flick. The German coach will give the youngsters a chance to impress in the absence of the first-teamers.

It would have buoyed the young players at Barcelona to meet a great like Andres Iniesta and get the chance to interact with him. There is so much to learn from the Spanish maestro and it would have been an enlightening situation.

It remains to be seen how long Iniesta takes before returning to the game he loves. It would be lovely to see the 40-year-old return to Barcelona in some capacity in the future and only time will give us a clearer picture on how it pans out.