Spain's cabinet on Friday decided to award FC Barcelona's captain Andres Iniesta the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit, the highest honour the government gives at the sporting level.
Iniesta, who announced he would leave the La Liga giants by the end of the season, joined a list of sporting figures who have got the honour, including his former teammate Xavi Hernandez, Iker Casillas and former national team coach Vicente del Bosque, reports Efe.
"Iniesta has ended his sporting run at Barcelona winning his 32nd title and played for many Spain national teams," Spanish government spokesman Íñigo Mendez de Vigo said at a press conference.
After leading Spain to their maiden World Cup title in South Africa in 2010, the government awarded Del Bosque the same honour, while Casillas and Xavi were honoured in 2015.
--IANS
pur/bg
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app