Andres Iniesta not planning to play until the age of 40
Andres Iniesta has been an exceptional player for many years now at Barcelona. His telepathic understanding with Lionel Messi has been one of the most striking features of the Barcelona team in recent years.
Iniesta is not a very outspoken person and is a player respected by all parts of the footballing world. He even received a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd during Barcelona's 4-0 demolition of rivals Real Madrid last year.
Both Barcelona and the Spanish National team will definitely miss a player of his quality when he finally decides to hang his boots but luckily for them that won’t be happening any- time soon according to the maestro.
“I don't think I'll get to 40. This year I've had very positive sensations and it makes me optimistic for next year.” he said ahead of the Copa Del Rey final against Sevilla. The Spanish playmaker celebrated his 32nd birthday earlier this month and looks to take his career one year at a time.
“I don't want to look further than two or three years. The year ahead I hope to start with the same sensations.” Luis Enrique has been very wise in managing the veteran this season, ensuring he does not overplay him.
Iniesta could not retain the UEFA Champions League this year with Barcelona but he has the chance to once again achieve the domestic double if they manage to beat newly-crowned Europa league winners Sevilla tonight.
After winning so many titles with Barcelona he still has the desire and ambition to win yet another Copa Del Rey. “This team [Barcelona] always has that obligation in a final. We fight for all the titles each season, sometimes we win and other times we're further away, but the obligation to win is permanent. It is like that in each game, so imagine what it's like in a final” he said.
Barca’s season not a failure: Iniesta
Barcelona suffered a slight dip in form during the season which let Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid back in the title race but the Catalans maintained their nerve until the end to ensure they won the title.
Iniesta also rubbished claims that Barcelona have not had the best of seasons. “When you win a league it's impossible for it to be a bad season, 'It will always be a good season. After that, the other titles give it a higher or lower value.”
Barcelona have Luis Suarez and his goalscoring exploits to thank for their season not turning into a disaster. The Uruguayan netted an incredible 40 goals in the league this term to claim both Pichichi and the European Golden shoe