Iniesta in tears as he confirms Barca exit at end of season

The Spain international, 33, came through the youth system with the club and turned professional in 2001.

He has enjoyed a glittering career for club and country, and said on Friday: "This is my last season here."

Iniesta's emotional press conference was witnessed by a number of members of the Barça first team. He has won eight La Liga titles with the club and four Champions Leagues, and scored the only goal as Spain beat Holland to win the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. "I want to thank my team-mates," he said. "My only aim was to be a success at this club and I have done that." Iniesta has been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League when his time at Barcelona ends, although he refused to confirm he will be joining Chongqing Dangdai Lifan as has been reported.

"There are still things to be sorted," he said. "I have said I will never play against Barça, so I won't play in Europe."