FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.01.2008 14:28

Iniesta: “Barça have given me everything”

Berta Brau

After renewing his contract until 2014, the midfielder has spoken about how pleased he is and thanked the club for all it has done for him.

Grateful and humble, Andrés Iniesta told the media that “I am very grateful to Barça and the fans because they have put their faith in me. Barça have given me and my family everything and so I want to give them back everything I can, and that is in no other place than on the pitch”.

Characteristic humility

But he does not feel that the contract extension and such high figures make him feel like a superstar, saying “I have always felt the same, I have always felt like a growing footballer. I like to feel simple”.

Iniesta has no problems with being something of a utility man in the middle of the park. “Being on the pitch is all I need. I naturally play in the middle, but it is up to the manager to decide where to put me and where I can do the best for the team. I am just happy to play” he said.

“I have always felt valued”

The extended contract certainly makes a difference to Iniesta in a professional sense, but on a personal level everything remains the same. “I have always felt valued by the club and fans regardless of what it says on my contract. Yes, we have come to a new agreement but the shows of affection are just the same”.

Clear on one thing

“I am clear on one thing and that is staying here” he said when asked if he would ever listen to offers from other teams, and in fact went on to say that “what I want to do is play and show what I am worth and that I deserve this contract and to be here. Truth is, I never look at the figures.”