Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, one of football’s greatest midfield maestros, has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a remarkable career spanning more than two decades.

Known for his vision, composure, and exceptional passing, Iniesta leaves behind a legacy that has inspired countless fans and players around the world.

Iniesta’s illustrious career is highlighted by his incredible achievements with both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

During his legendary career, Iniesta won a total of 9 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League trophies, and 6 Copa del Reys with Barcelona, cementing his place as one of the club’s all-time greats.

After over 20 years at Barcelona, Iniesta moved to Japan, where he continued to showcase his brilliance. His time at Vissel Kobe saw him claim a Japanese Championship, Cup, and Super Cup, adding yet more silverware to his already extensive collection.

After his successful tenure at Vissel Kobe, Andrés Iniesta briefly ventured into Middle Eastern football, signing with Emirates Club in the UAE in 2023, where he played for a season.

Throughout his career, Iniesta’s humility, skill, and dedication to the game earned him the respect of fans and players alike. His contributions to the sport, both domestically and internationally, will undoubtedly echo for years to come as he steps away from the game.

In a move to build its brand awareness among Nigerian football fans, Lekki Astro Sports Club League is seeking national and international sponsorship deals to boost an exhilarating season of action, star-studded matchups, and unforgettable moments.

The Lekki Astro League is a fast-growing all-star sports club league in the Lekki Axis of Lagos, with over 100 quality multi-ethnic and diaspora members from various walks of life, aged between (35-60) years. It has members including some ex-Super Eagles players and prominent ex-European-based professional players.

The league kicks off in October 2024 and ends towards the end of the year with awards and a gala night takes place in December 2024.

A press release by the league management reads:
“LASC League has a long-standing connection with football globally and we look forward to developing annually. It is an annual tournament, which aims to promote peace, love, and unity through football to keep fit while challenging ourselves further through competition. The league will bring Nigerians and other part of Africa together with the motive of unity irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.”

“The Lekki Astro League is purely Nigerian, as all members are Nigerians even though some members reside abroad. All materials and equipment for the league are sourced locally.”

“Our objective is to have sponsors partner with us as we kick-start our 2024 league cup in October 2024 and wrap up our annual End of the year/awards night coming up in December 2024.

According to the statement, Lekki Astro League is an intra-football tournament comprised of four football teams while the kick-off stretches across six weeks with 12 matches to be played in a regular league format. The four teams participating in this season are Team Harrison Group, Team Smart FC, Team Success, and Team Las Pinas Luxury.

The statement continues: “The 3rd edition of the LASC league promises to be bigger and better than the previous editions, as we gradually continue to improve on the template that was established from the inaugural edition. This is the first time we will be having entirely different sponsors from the initial editions.

This year’s edition promises to be more exciting as our membership increases annually with competent individuals who are competent on the field of play,” it concluded.

LASC league is delighted to announce the individual sponsorship of Chief Harrison Okorie, Mr. Smart Ibe, Mr Chima Njoku, and Mr. Chigozie Igwebuike to commence the “incredible season”

Real Madrid suffered a shock Champions League defeat against Lille on Wednesday night, and Carlo Ancelotti has identified one player as his side’s weakest link.

Los Blancos were beaten 1-0 away to Lille following a 48th-minute penalty from Jonathan David.

It was not his side’s best night at the office, and Ancelotti was understandably unhappy with Madrid’s lacklustre performance.

“Lille were better and deserved to win. We were bad and slow tonight,” the Italian told reporters after the game, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“We didn’t create, the possession was slow, no ideas. We were bad under every aspect.”

Although the entire squad must stand up and take responsibility for what was an out-of-character display, one player’s abysmal showing stood out more than others.

The 29-year-old experienced such a troublesome first half that Ancelotti hauled him off at halftime for Fran Garcia.

And according to Defensa Central, the Real Madrid boss is tired of the Frenchman’s performances and would prefer he is moved on.

Alphonso Davies on list of replacements
Mendy recently penned a deal until 2027 so is under no pressure to leave the Spanish capital.

However, with Ancelotti pushing Florentino Perez to sign Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies it seems Mendy’s days, certainly as a regular starter, are numbered.

Since the start of the season, Mendy, despite starting in all six of Madrid’s La Liga games so far, has failed to register a single goal or assist.

Davies, on the other hand, continues to impress in Germany. The 23-year-old will be out of contract at the Allianz at the end of the season, and showing no signs of committing to a new deal, looks to be heading to Madrid to link up with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.