The maestro's latest project: Iniesta buys football club
Andrés Iniesta has announced the acquisition of Albacete Balompié, a historic Spanish club
The former Barcelona midfielder is the new owner of Albacete Balompié, a club founded in 1940 and currently playing in the Primera División RFEF, the third tier of Spanish football. The deal was completed on Thursday, May 11, 2023, with Iniesta becoming the club's majority shareholder.
Iniesta's vision for Albacete
Iniesta has expressed his excitement about the acquisition in a heartfelt Instagram post to his 43 million followers, saying that this ""gives him a unique opportunity to give back to the sport that has given me so much."" He has outlined his vision for the club to be a "family club" in which "everyone feels important within the team and where 'Iniesta values' are present both on and off the pitch".
Iniesta has been heavily involved in the negotiations and has even visited Albacete personally to meet with the players and staff. He has also been active on social media, posting updates and messages of support for the club. Fans are eager to find out more about Iniesta's plans for Albacete and are hopeful that he can help the club return to its former glory days.
Albacete's history
Albacete Balompié was founded in 1940 and has played in the top tier of Spanish football on several occasions, most recently in the 2004/05 season. The club has also reached the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on three occasions, in 1949, 1986, and 2003.
However, in recent years, Albacete has struggled financially and has been relegated to the third tier of Spanish football. The club is hoping that Iniesta's investment will help them return to their former glory days. Albacete has a storied history and a passionate fanbase, and Iniesta's acquisition is seen as a major boost for the club. With his experience in the game and the enormous respect he has earned from around the world, Iniesta has the potential to make Albacete a force again.
What does this mean for Iniesta?
The acquisition of Albacete is the latest project in what is becoming a busy retirement for Iniesta. Since hanging up his boots, he has also become the owner of a sake brewery in Japan, and is the co-founder of the sports agency One Team Sports, which represents a number of high-profile athletes, including Real Madrid's Toni Kroos.
It's still early days, but Iniesta's acquisition of Albacete is a sign that the midfield maestro is ready to make his mark on the world of football once again. With his passion, experience, and global reach, he has the potential to make Albacete a force again. Only time will tell if he can succeed, but Iniesta's acquisition is undoubtedly a major boost for the club.
