Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi has shared an emotional tribute to retiring Barcelona icon Andrés Iniesta.

The Spaniard announced his retirement from football on Tuesday at the age of 40 after an illustrious career.

A World Cup winner with Spain, Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 final and won the Euros twice in 2008 and 2012, earning 131 caps for his country.

The Barcelona legend was at the heart of some of the greatest midfields in history in the late 2000s and early 2010s, thanks to his partnerships with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets for both Spain and Barcelona.


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Kyogo played alongside Iniesta at Vissel Kobe between 2018 and 2021, with the pair winning the Emperor's Cup and the Japanese Super Cup together in 2019 and 2020.

Those years left a huge impression on the Japanese forward, who posted a heartfelt message to his former teammate on social media after he announced his retirement.

He wrote: "It seemed short but it was long, intense and special time. Being able to play together, sharing the time together.

"My precious days that I experienced so many things and improved myself I never forget these and will never do. I really appreciate it. Thank you."