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Iniesta Retires After Glittering 24-Year Career

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Andres Iniesta, the iconic former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.

At an emotional press conference on Tuesday, Iniesta reflected on his illustrious 24-year career, which saw him win countless trophies and etch his name gloriously into football history.

“Please allow me to be a little emotional today,” said a tearful Iniesta, who recently played for Emirates Club in the UAE.

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“I never thought this day would come. I never imagined it. These tears are not of sadness, but of pride. They are tears from a boy from a small town like Fuentealbilla, who dreamed of becoming a footballer,” he said.

Iniesta, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, was instrumental in Barcelona and Spain’s dominance during the late 2000s and early 2010s.

He made 131 appearances for Spain, playing a pivotal role in their 2010 World Cup triumph, where he famously scored the decisive goal in extra time against the Netherlands to secure the nation’s first-ever World Cup victory.

He also helped Spain win the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, with his performance in the latter earning him Player of the Tournament honors.

Born in the small village of Fuentealbilla, Iniesta joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at the age of 12.

Over the next two decades, he made 674 appearances for the club, captaining them for three seasons.

He was a central figure in one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, winning nine La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, six Copa del Rey titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.

One of Iniesta’s defining moments came in 2009, during the Champions League semifinal against Chelsea.

With Barcelona facing elimination, Iniesta produced a stunning last-minute goal to send the team to the final, where they would eventually claim the trophy under manager Pep Guardiola.

In response to Iniesta’s retirement, former teammate Lionel Messi expressed his admiration on social media, saying, “One of the most magical teammates and one of those who I most enjoyed playing together, Andres Iniesta, the ball will miss you, and so will we!”

Iniesta’s brilliance extended beyond Barcelona, as he shared many of his greatest successes with Xavi Hernandez, another legendary figure in Spanish football.

The duo is often regarded as one of the most formidable midfield partnerships of all time.

Though runner-up to Messi for the 2010 Ballon d’Or, Iniesta’s legacy as one of football’s finest is secure.

After leaving Barcelona and Spain in 2018, Iniesta continued his career in Japan with Vissel Kobe before concluding his journey in the UAE.

Reflecting on his career, Iniesta said, “I feel very proud of this path, with all the people who have accompanied me.” His retirement marks the end of an era for football, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

 

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Obi’s Inspiring Christmas Message Of Hope For Women’s Football

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The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Nkechi Obi, has delivered an inspiring Christmas message, celebrating the board’s achievements in 2024 while expressing hope and determination for the future of women’s football in Nigeria.

Reflecting on the milestones of the past year, Obi extended heartfelt gratitude to players, coaches, fans, and stakeholders for their unwavering dedication to the league’s growth and success.

The experienced sports administrator described 2024 as a year of breaking barriers, strengthening structures, and laying the groundwork for even greater accomplishments.

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“As we celebrate Christmas and reflect on another remarkable year, I want to express my profound gratitude to everyone who has been part of the NWFL’s journey,” Obi said.

“To our players, your passion, talent, and resilience are the heart of this league, inspiring us to aim higher. To the coaches, officials, sponsors, and supporters, your commitment to advancing women’s football in Nigeria has been invaluable.”

Obi emphasized the values of love, unity, and hope that Christmas embodies, drawing parallels to the collaborative spirit driving the league forward. She encouraged stakeholders to celebrate the progress made and remain optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.

“The 2024/2025 season promises to be one of growth, excitement, and greater inclusivity,” she added.

“Together, we will continue to push boundaries and ensure women’s football reaches its full potential in Nigeria. I wish you all a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May the season bring peace, love, and renewed inspiration for us all.”

Her message not only celebrates the successes of the past year but also sets a tone of optimism and collaboration for 2025, reaffirming the NWFL board’s commitment to excellence and progress.

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Australian Tennis Champion, Max Purcell Faces Doping Suspension

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Australian doubles champion, Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended after admitting to a violation of anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.

The 26-year-old, ranked 12th in the world for doubles, confessed to using a “prohibited method” and voluntarily entered a provisional suspension beginning December 10.

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The ITIA confirmed the suspension took full effect on December 12, stating, “Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”

As a result of the suspension, the 26-year-old is banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies.

This suspension rules him out of January’s Australian Open, where he was expected to be a strong contender.

Purcell’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and this year’s US Open doubles crown alongside Jordan Thompson.

In a statement, Tennis Australia clarified that the violation concerned a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.

“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it said.

The ITIA did not provide further details regarding the breach but noted that investigations are ongoing.

This case comes amid increased scrutiny over doping in tennis. Recent incidents include Polish world number two Iga Swiatek and Italian top-ranked player Jannik Sinner.

Swiatek received a one-month sanction earlier this year after testing positive for a banned heart medication, though the violation was deemed unintentional.

Meanwhile, Sinner was cleared after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, though the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision.

Both Swiatek and Sinner are set to compete in the Australian Open, beginning January 12.

 

 

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CAF Awards: GTI Congratulates NFF, Lookman, Others

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Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Group has congratulated the football ruling body on the successful achievements of Nigerian footballers at the just concluded CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco where Super Eagles dare-devil striker Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year.

Head of Media and Publicity, GTI, Andrew Ekejiuba, in a statement in Lagos, expressed great hope that the efforts of the NFF at restructuring and repositioning football development in the country has begun yielding the desired results.

Biztellers reports that CAF awards event also witnessed the back-to-back emergence of Super Falcons goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

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Ekejiuba reiterated that the Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is gradually returning the country to the glorious years when Nigeria dominated the award and was once ranked 5th best soccer-playing nation by the world football ruling body FIFA.

“The achievements of our Nigerian players at the just concluded CAF Award is a testament to the abundance of talents in the country and the clear vision of Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to ensure that these players realise their ambition to become the best in the continent and beyond.

“Therefore, GTI congratulates the Awardees for bringing honour to Nigeria,” he said.

“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League, GTI’s relentless effort with the NPFL Board has helped to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous elite league that will eventually attract the best legs locally and internationally. Also, by focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive”.

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