VIDEO: Andres Iniesta bids farewell to Xavi with tear-jerking speech

Tissues were in demand at the Auditori 1899 on Wednesday as Barcelona held an institutional event bidding a formal farewell to Xavi, who's leaving the club after 17 seasons at the Camp Nou.

Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and former colleagues, Xavi stated: "I hope this is not goodbye, but more a case of see you later ... I arrived here 25 years ago and never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the things I would experience. I am the one who should be grateful. I am so happy."

Then it was Andres Iniesta's turn to take the podium. He made sure there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd, telling his partner in crime: "Captain, teammate, friend. It's hard to believe that when we start training next season, you won't be here with us ... It has been a privilege to play by your side. Thank you for thinking about the team rather than yourself. Thank you Xavi for everything that you have given us."