Ero Samson
September 23, 2023 at 7:52 PM
Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi were teammates at Spanish club Barcelona for over a decadeMessi pipped Iniesta to the Ballon d’Or award in 2012The 2012 UEFA Player of the Year has cleared the air about his Ballon d’Or snub
Barcelona midfielder sensation Andres Iniesta alongside Lionel Messi, defined an era in the history of the Catalan club.
The Spanish maestro was an integral part of the set-up of Barcelona’s most dominant midfield in recent times and won a remarkable 32 titles with the Catalan club.
Andres Iniesta recently reflected in an interview on his Ballon d’Or snub. Image: David Ramos.
Source: Getty Images
In a recent development reported by Mundo Deportivo, the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner completed a transfer to the formidable Emirates Club in the UAE Gulf League.
During a recent interview with Sharjah Sports TV, Iniesta shared his thoughts on his omission from the 2010 Ballon d’Or and shed light on his enduring friendship with Messi, among other topics.
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FootballIniesta speaks on Ballon d’Or snub
The 39-year-old midfielder recently sat in an interview with media outlet Sharjah Sports TV.
In a lengthy interview covering his glamorous career for club and country, the midfielder was quizzed about his 2010 Ballon d’Or snub.
Reflecting on his Ballon d’Or snub, the 39-year-old midfielder expressed, as quoted by Sport:
« If you ask me whether I would have liked to win a Ballon d’Or, I would say yes. But no, football was not unfair with me and my awards. I’m very happy with my career and with everything that happened. »
The La Masia graduate was also asked about his relationship with Messi who pipped him to the award.
Iniesta who opted to focus on the Argentine’s recent success said:
« I spoke with Messi during the World Cup. Of course, I was happy that he was doing well and eventually won it. With his ability and experience, he brings happiness wherever he goes. »
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FootballBarcelona honours Iniesta with friendly
Sports Brief previously reported Barcelona honoured Andres Iniesta with a farewell fixture after the midfielder announced he was departing Japanese club, Vissel Kobe.
There were suggestions that Iniesta could play a half for each side, but Sport reports Vissel Kobe are not too keen on the idea and the legend will simply play for the Japanese side.