Iniesta reveals WC-winning strike in 2010 helped in his battle with depression

Andres Iniesta has revealed that his World Cup-winning goal against Holland in 2010 played a key role in his battle with depression.

The Barcelona and Spain icon suffered 'one of the hardest phases' of his life with Dani Jarque, a former Espanyol midfielder and close friend to Iniesta, died suddenly aged 26 following a heart attack in 2009.

Iniesta has been open and honest about the 'fragile situation' that Jarque's death placed him in as he tried to grieve for his friend.

But speaking about his winning goal in South Africa a decade ago in which he netted before revealing a tribute written on his undershirt for Jarque, Iniesta pinpoints that moment as key in bringing positivity back to his life.

The tribute shirt in South Africa read: 'Dani Jarque, siempre con nosotros' (Dani Jarque, always with us).

Speaking to Bild am Sonntag, Iniesta said: 'Unfortunately, I had to experience several misfortunes in a row, even though I was really successful at the time.

'But then my friend Dani Jarque died in August 2009, which really put me in such a fragile situation that I needed professional help.

'It was certainly the hardest phase of my life. It was very good for me to have the support of Anna, my then girlfriend and current wife, and of course that of my parents.'

The game was in the balance in that final before Iniesta stepped up to be the hero for Spain in a moment he has described as 'the beginning of the improvement.'

'Fortunately, this phase is a thing of the past,' he continued. 'A phase that made me stronger and better.'

Despite being among the most decorated players in Barcelona and Spanish football history, Iniesta, now playing out in Japan with Vissel Kobe has found it important to be clear and honest about his mental health struggles.

As well as the 2010 World Cup, he won two European Championships with Spain and at Barcelona he lifted four Champions League titles and nine LaLigas.