'FIFA World Cup in Morocco, Portugal and Spain has every ingredient to be great success': Iniesta

In passionate world of football, it’s not often that a player rises above tribalism to earn miration and respect of his peers, opponents, and fans across world. Andres Iniesta is one such person. Known for incredible humility off pitch, and exceptional playmaking on it, Iniesta’s career will go down in history with very best. During 16 years playing for FC Barcelona, Iniesta won a total of 35 trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues.

But it is perhaps his moments with national team that will live longest in memory. Having played throughout Spanish youth teams, Iniesta helped country win its first ever FIFA World Cup™ in 2010, scoring winning goal in extra time in final. Such a feat was bookended by wins at EURO 2008 and EURO 2012, putting Spain on map as one of most successful national teams of all time.

Since leaving FC Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta enjoyed a successful stint playing in Japan, winning J1 League title with Vissel Kobe, and for UAE Pro League side Emirates. On 8th October, he retired from playing at age of 40, and has since signaled his intention to go into coaching.

Q1: Andres, congratulations on a wonderful career and thank you for joining us. For us re is probably only one place to start – winning goal of FIFA World Cup™ final in 2010 – moment that every child dreams of. How do you reflect on FIFA World Cup 2010™ and that moment in particular?

As you say, it was a moment that you dream of for so long. FIFA World Cup 2010™ was a particularly impactful moment for me, as I h suffered many injuries in build up to it. For it to end that way, with my goal in final, is of course very special, but it was an amazing team effort that got us re. With so many talented players, and so much support from across Spain, we felt like it was our moment. I consider myself very fortunate to have been a part of it.

Q2: You played for national team during a period of intense rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Mrid. What was it like coming toger as one for national team?

I think that’s beauty of national team football. Whatever club differences re are, or personal rivalries, when you are playing for your national team, nothing else matters. You think only about people you are representing: your family, friends, schoolteachers, everyone. It’s a beautiful feeling, and overshows everything else. That is what makes international football so special, and FIFA World Cup™ a tournament like no or.

Q3: Since leaving FC Barcelona, after 22 years with club, you decided to make a change first in Japan with Vissel Kobe, n with Emirates in UAE. What prompted you to make this decision and how did you enjoy living and playing in different parts of world?

I enjoyed my time at FC Barcelona so much. It was all I h known as a professional footballer and, while I was very happy re, I became very excited about opportunity to play in a different continent and experience a different culture.

My time playing in UAE, and in Japan before, were incredible. y showed so much respect to me and my family, which I will never forget. On pitch, potential of football in Asia is so great, and I think it will continue to grow very fast with improvements in young football and infrastructure.

Q4: You h amazing feat of amassing 131 caps for Spain throughout your career, representing team at four FIFA World Cups™ in total. Can you imagine what a World Cup hosted in Morocco, Portugal and Spain would look like?

In some respect, it is difficult to imagine what tournament will look like and how it will impact world of football. When I was born, we lived in Spain with memory and legacy left by 1982 FIFA World Cup™, so we have alrey seen impact tournament can leave behind. But potential of this candidacy is even greater.  If successful in being elected as hosts, it would be first FIFA World Cup™ to take place across continents, and across such diverse cultures too. That is important to me. Football is a game for everyone, and by showcasing most important tournament in world alongside such diversity can only help bring this to life.

Morocco, Portugal and Spain have so many points in common that a beneficial to tournament. y are all countries dedicated tofootball and will take FIFA World Cup™ to new levels. atmosphere during tournament, and in years leing up to it, will be captivating for world. For fans, it will be extremely appealing, with short distances between venues and very good transport infrastructure. For those watching on television, time zone of matches will be beneficial to viewers from Americas and Asia, as well as Europe and Africa. It has every ingredient to be a great success.

Q5: What personally attracted to you to support project as a Bid Ambassor?

Supporting this bid as an Ambassor was an easy choice for me. As I said during my retirement ceremony, my experience on grass is over but I can’t be far from football, it is such a big passion of mine. Being part of this project is an example of this.

If successful, this would be first ever FIFA World Cup™ to be hosted in Morocco and Portugal, and first in Spain for almost 50 years. So for vast, vast majority of people from se countries, this will be ir first experience of welcoming world. I love ambition of bid to deliver best ever FIFA World Cup™, and to use occasion to break down barriers and inspire young people, both in host countries, and across world.

Football, and FIFA World Cup™ in particular, has a tremendous opportunity to inspire positive change across world. With ambition of bid from Morocco, Portugal and Spain, I am convinced that this opportunity will be seized.