"Xavi had the courage to take Barça at a very difficult time and he has returned the joy"
Andrés Iniesta reviews some of the most important moments of his career, praises Guardiola and sees a lot of future in Lamine in an extensive interview granted to the Emirates Sharjah Sports TV channel
"Xavi had the courage to take Barça at a very difficult time and he has returned the joy"
Andrés Iniesta has begun a new stage in the world of football in the United Arab Emirates, the second since leaving FC Barcelona. However, the La Mancha midfielder is still very aware of Barça, a club he has always said he would like to return once he hangs up his boots.
In an extensive interview with the Emirates channel Sharjah Sports TV, the La Mancha midfielder makes an extensive review of his career, from La Masia, through Stamford Bridge, his goal in South Africa, the second player with the most titles in Barça (32) after Messi (35), to the new sensation culé: Lamine Yamal.
Andrés Iniesta begins a new stage as a coach at Emirates Club FC in the United Arab Emirates.
He has signed for one season with the option of another
1
The choice of the United Arab Emirates to continue playing
"Well, first of all, they were nice memories with the U-20 team or with Barcelona. We won the Club World Cup. The importance, trust and faith of being here and contributing to this project in the Emirates for me is a big challenge. and one more opportunity to continue my sporting career and the ability to help in several aspects in which the club aspires to have a better level, and this pleases me, especially for the trust and affection that has been given to me by being here".
2
The secrets of La Masia
"Barcelona, for me, is the best club in the world. Naturally, these types of clubs aspire to have the best players not only in Spain but in the world. "La Masia" provides all conditions through attention to players and academic training. The capabilities and conditions available are distinctive and wonderful. It's the ability to develop and strengthen yourself to become a football player... This is what helped change my life."
3
The second Barça player with the most titles after Messi
"For me it's not just numbers, but many seasons, several seasons in Barcelona's first team. It is not just a pride and a dream, but something wonderful. To be able to be present in all seasons, especially in those of the club. The requirements represent... It was a truly wonderful thing... The best title for me, without a doubt, was to become a professional player at Barcelona. It was always a dream for me that I achieved it and worked to achieve it. I am happy to have lived all this with several players and coaches and playing in a stadium that I consider incredible.... Very happy with this as a player, no doubt."
4
The Stamford Bridge goal
"I think it was a very intense match in all aspects, and you could see the crowd in the match, after the score was 1-0 and then 1-1 in the 93rd minute. These are things that happen in football. In the match and in our stadium there was controversy about refereeing. The extent of the possibility and impossibility of qualifying is part of the story for us. It was exceptional and extraordinary for me personally to achieve this goal and reach the Champions crown against Manchester United."
5
The comeback to PSG
"It was one of the most amazing matches to watch"
"The first leg was a disaster with a 4-0 defeat and it was difficult to come back. In football you can always pass! ... On our pitch and in front of our fans we started the game well after we managed to advance 3-0. We thought we could qualify before they scored a goal, which complicated things again. "It was surprising that we made a second comeback of the 'Comeback' in the match. We were forced. Scoring another hat-trick, I think it was one of the most incredible games to watch."
6
The figure of Guardiola
"He's a unique coach"
"I think we had the opportunity to be under Guardiola's leadership. He developed us a lot collectively. He is a unique coach who has the ability to see football and what can happen in a unique way. Personally, he is one of those I will always admire. Working under his leadership was wonderful, and that stage for us and for Barcelona was exceptional."
7
Xavi's Barça
"He had the courage to take the team at a very difficult time"
First of all, I think Xavi's return to the club came during a difficult period that the club was going through administratively, internally and externally, and he had the courage to choose this challenge. I think as time went on things became more positive. Being in Barcelona forces you to give the maximum effort. I hope this season progresses more and more. Being in several competitions gives stability for all of us to enjoy."
8
The goal of the World Cup in South Africa
"There is no word to describe it"
"You can imagine... I think there is no word to express it. It was a moment higher than any other feeling. It was completely indescribable. What we experienced as players and as a country was historic and cannot be forgotten."
9
Dedication to Jarque
"I wanted to honor him and I thought I'd put the shirt on in case he scored."
"The misfortune happened a year before that. I wanted to honor him at any time available. I thought it was putting it on the shirt if we won the game and showing it at the celebration. I didn't expect to score the goal of the final. goal and have the opportunity to show that message. It was a memorable photo as well."
10
No Ballon d'Or
"I am very happy with what I have achieved in my career"
"No, no, no, I don't have any feeling that it was unfair. I'm always happy when I'm nominated for these types of awards or when I'm on the list of the best, it's something that makes me happy. In fact, if you ask me if I'd like to win that? Of course, but that doesn't make me sad or bad if I don't make it, I'm very happy with what I've achieved in my career and how things are going."
11
The irruption of Lamine
"With work and progress you will become a unique player"
"Playing for Barcelona when you are 16 or for the national team at 16 is not an easy matter, on the contrary, it is very difficult. He is a young man who has all the time and future to develop. It is necessary to take care of him through work and following academic rules at all levels, especially with the exceptional talent he possesses, continuing to work and progress will make him a unique player."
12
Messi's bet on Miami
"He generates joy wherever he goes"
"In the middle of the World Cup, yes, we communicated. When things were going well for a colleague of mine and a friend, it made me happy. With his knowledge and experience and his move to America and his continuity. To score goals and make happy the people who see him play, I consider it something wonderful and that generates joy."
13
The most beautiful stadium where he played
"For me, the Camp Nou is number 1"
"For me, the Camp Nou is number 1. Every time I was on the field with the fans it was like a dream that I live every time. I played in many wonderful international stadiums, such as "Old Trafford", "Stamford Bridge", "San Siro" and "Maracanã"... There are many... In the end it's football and the love for this game is everywhere... being away here or in Japan I always feel happy playing football."