Barcelona boss Luis Enrique feels Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta is an iconic figure in the world of football.
"Andres is a marvelous player," said the Barcelona boss in a news conference highlighting the central midfielder’s time in the club. "It's a wonderful landmark that he's been here for 20 years, leaving his family behind to come here as a child,” he added.
Also read: Lionel Messi opens up about his special relationship with Andres Iniesta
Iniesta joined the La Masia academy at the age of 12 after leaving his home in Fuentealbilla in order to become a professional footballer. He has since won 29 major trophies with Barcelona and has also won the Euros and the World Cup with Spain.
Enrique also praised the veteran midfielder’s behaviour both on and off the field. “I'd highlight the way he's done it, too, the values he has. I don't think he's been sent off, no one remembers him doing anything nasty, neither in victory nor in defeat,” he said.
The Barcelona manager also spoke about Iniesta being an emblem all around the world, "Now he's the club captain and an emblem not just in Spain and Europe, but all around the world.”
Also read: Andres Iniesta reveals the 'worst day of his life' was spent at Barcelona's La Masia
Speaking of the effect Iniesta has created over the years in the Barcelona dressing room Enrique said, “It's a pleasure to have him as captain for everything that he represents -- there won't be many Iniestas.”
The central midfielder has always acknowledged the day he left his home as the worst day of his life. However, he also feels it was the right decision all along. Iniesta has made 596 appearances for Barcelona since appearing for the senior side in the 2002-03 season.
“It was all worth it, obviously,” said Iniesta in a special interview to Sport. “La Masia is my home, it's where I spent a lot of time and where I grew as a person.”
Iniesta thought that his time at La Masia helped him become the player is today. “I matured at a tremendous speed and everything that I have been able to do, is largely thanks to my time there,” said the World Cup-winning midfielder. “What I learned as a player and as a person is what I consider most important when I look back,” he further added.
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