Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andrés Iniesta asked the audience to "please allow me to be a little emotional today" as he announced his retirement after a trophy-laden career spanning 24 years. Iniesta, who most recently played for Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates, told a press conference: "I never thought this day would come. I never imagined it. Yes, all these tears we have shed these days are tears of emotion, of pride. They are not tears of sadness." The technically-gifted Iniesta made 131 appearances for Spain, scoring the only goal of the 2010 World Cup final. He also played a key role in Spain winning the 2008 European Championship to snap a 44-year drought and was named player of the tournament when they successfully defended the title in 2012. Tearful Andrés Iniesta announces retirement after trophy-laden career