Exclusive interview with Andrés Iniesta

While the U14B team was in Japan, we were also able to catch up with Andrés Iniesta and find out how things are going for the former Barça star at his new J-League club, Vissel Kobe.

In our exclusive interview (click on the video above) he also discusses this summer’s movements at FC Barcelona, Leo Messi stepping into his shoes as captain and also hints at his long-term plans and a possible return in some capacity to the Camp Nou.

LIFE IN JAPAN

“Since the very first day I have felt very comfortable. I’ve met people who are very willing to help. My team-mates, the people who work at the club...”

“I’ve encountered a lot of heat and humidity. Especially at first when you haven’t trained much, you feel that more.”

“Generally the style of play perhaps isn’t quite as unhurried as I have been used to after so much time. But I’m delighted to be experiencing all this.”

“I think I made the right decision and what I’m experiencing on a personal and family level is highly positive. Although back home of course you are nearer to your family and friends. And of course I always have an eye on Barcelona and the team.”

J LEAGUE AND A CONTINENTAL TARGET

“It’s a league where you feel that any opponent, even those in the bottom half of the table, can come to your stadium and beat you. And you can beat anyone because it’s such a bold kind of football”

"The club has never qualified for the Asian Champions League and that would be huge. I’ve arrived in the second half of the season and everything’s happening very fast. But I think we have every chance of finishing in the top three”

LAST DAYS AT BARÇA

“There are days when I watch clips of things like the last league game or some event… What happened to me over those days was something magical that I’ll never forget”

BARÇA 2018/19

“Barça look strong, they have a great squad. They have made both young and more experienced signings that will bring depth and character. Let’s hope they get to the end of the season in contention for everything.”

“Even without the armband Messi always operates like a captain. They have a squad, a group of players, that I’ve always said are ideal for managing a team. And he’s captain of Argentina so he doesn’t need much advice from me.”

ARTHUR MELO, NEW NUMBER 8

“My only advice to Arthur would be to be confident about his game because I think he’s got some very strong attributes. And he’s at the ideal club for his football to grow each year. He’s still a young lad and he’s surrounded by the best people to learn from.”

THE FUTURE

“We’ll now continue with our own separate stories. But I hope I can be back at La Masia in the future because I view it as my home. I hope one day to be able to transmit everything that I have learned and been taught, and what I’ve done over so much time.”