Former Barcelona head coach Pep Guardiola has thanked Andres Iniesta for helping him "understand the game better".
Iniesta will leave Barca at the end of the season to take up a new challenge away from European football.
The 33-year-old has made 669 appearances for Barcelona since making his debut for the club in 2002, winning four Champions League crowns and eight La Liga titles.
He will almost certainly cap his last season with a ninth league title having already tasted silverware success this term with the 5-0 Copa del Rey final victory over Sevilla earlier in April.
Two of Iniesta's Champions League triumphs and three La Liga titles came under the guidance of Guardiola, while the Spain international won five domestic cup titles with the now Manchester City boss.
And Guardiola has paid tribute to Iniesta following the latter's confirmation that he will step down at the end of the season.
"I want to say thank you. He helped me understand the game better, just watching him and what he does on the football pitch."
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu added: "You have the eternal gratitude of Barca fans and the whole football world. Today is not a farewell, it's a see you soon."
