Bayern Munich, the top club in German football, has paid tribute to Andrés Iniesta on the day the Spanish legend announced his official retirement from professional football.

“A truly extraordinary football career is coming to an end! All the best for your future, Andrés Iniesta!” the club wrote on their social media, referring to the former Barcelona midfielder who they faced multiple times. It wasn’t just Bayern—much of the German press also honored the player on the day of his farewell.

Germany’s most-read newspaper, Bild, noted that alongside his former teammate Lionel Messi, “they shaped an entire era at Barça, and together with midfield stars Xavi and Sergio Busquets, they were the face of the feared Tiki-Taka short passing game.”

Another German outlet, Welt, from the same media group as Bild, described Iniesta as “one of the most influential Spanish footballers of recent decades,” also highlighting that “14 years ago, he scored for Spain in extra time against the Netherlands to win the World Cup in South Africa.”

The well-known newspaper further added, “His legacy is closely tied to Barcelona’s success in the early 2000s. In four of Barça’s five Champions League titles, Iniesta dictated the rhythm on the pitch. Together with his midfield partner Xavi and star Lionel Messi, Iniesta was largely responsible for the famous Tiki-Taka style under former Barça coach Pep Guardiola.”

Meanwhile, TV station NTV highlighted on its website that “Andrés Iniesta is one of the most successful footballers of our time,” having become “both a World Cup and European champion” with Spain, and “shaping an era at Barcelona.”