Andres Iniesta took his final steps on the Camp Nou pitch as a Barcelona player three years ago today - there wasn't a dry eye in the stadium.
In the 82nd minute of a clash with Real Sociedad, Iniesta proceeded to give the captain's armband to Lionel Messi and sobbed as he was replaced for the final time.
Advert
Head in hands on the subs bench, the Spaniard's name was chanted for several minutes as the Catalan locals hailed the midfielder that has brought so much joy and happiness to this famous ground in years gone by.
It was a moment like no other.
After the full-time whistle, Barcelona held a ceremony to celebrate Iniesta's magnificent 17 year career at the club.
Advert
Teammates swarmed the pitch and threw the midfielder in the air as tears were shed. Iniesta gave a memorable goodbye speech and hugged every single member of the squad and backroom staff to thank them for their service.
Clearly it was a tough moment for Iniesta to say goodbye to all those precious memories and a moment captured hours following the game sums everything up perfectly.
The World Cup winner sat in the middle of the centre circle with nobody around him. Soaking up all the good times in what has been a sensational career with Barcelona.
Twitter user @davphoto20 captured the moment, while Iniesta looked around, barefooted, wondering what next.
Iniesta has since moved on to Japanese side Vissel Kobe and is wowing fans with his unrivaled technique in the J1 League.
Advert
He recently signed a new contract to extend his career until 2023, when he'll be 39-years-old.
It has to be said that football fans still aren't used to seeing him in the Barcelona and Spain squad. A midfielder like no other.
Featured Image Credit: @svertelney/TwitterTopics: Football, Barcelona, Andres Iniesta