02.08.2010 17:59

Iniesta: "I hope we can have a great season"

Miquel Agut

Andrés Iniesta is enjoying the last few days of a well-deserved holiday in his hometown of Fuentealbilla and the other Spain international players return for pre-season training at Barça on August 9.

Having been a member of the Spanish team that won the World Cup in South Africa last month the Blaugrana midfielder will be back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper next Monday, but only after he has ensured that he has had a complete rest during his vacation. The loclas

Stamford Bridge and Soccer City

The locals in Fuentealbilla have honoured their most famous son since he returned from the World Cup as messages have continued to pour in to the family home. As an idol of the town Iniesta has also seen his name written everywhere he has been with everyeon wanting to congratulate him in some form. As the player that scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands the playmaker wrote his name in the history books just a yaer after netting an historic effort for Barça against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League semi final. "I experienced incredbile happiness when scoring both of those goals," he told Barça TV. "I felt that I had reached the top and it was the best feeling. From a sentimental point of view they are equal because I felt such joy when scoring both."

On his return to his hometown Iniesta explained: "It has been great, very special. Above all seeing how people have welcomed me and the esteem I am given. I feel very proud that so many people have wanted to show me affection."

Watching games

Iniesta maybe on holiday but he is keeping in touch with events at Camp Nou by watching Barça VT. "I saw the game against Valerenga and I will also watch both the games from the Asia tour as well," he explained. "

When he returns to training Iniesta will find internatonal team-mate David Villa alongside him and he explained how the newcomer will be welcomed. "When he signed we talked about the club, the city, the training," he said. "I am sure that we will be ready for another season as demanding as the last one. I have played alongside him for la Selección and I know that he has a lot of quality. We link up well and I am sure it will be good. I do not think he will have any problem adapting."

Cesc Fàbregas has also been the subject of speculation and Iniesta would welcome the Catalan midfielder back to Barça. "We all want him to come because he is a player that would help to improve us, he is complete," he commented. "Despite that, he belongs to Arsenal and everyone understands that."

A large number of youngsters have been promoted from the B and C teams for pre-season and Iniesta believes that is good for the club. "It is important that these kids are confident when they go up to the first team so that they can show their talent," he stated. "They appear to be doing well and the coaches know all about them. The youth system continues to be a very useful resource when we need it."

More success

Iniesta has won everything apart from the Olympic Games and the Europa League, but he has not intention of relaxing. "Winning trophies is the stimulant, a motivation. Nobody should worry because even if we do not win anything it will have nothing to do with what we have already won before," he exlpained. "Last season was difficult and I do not like to think about it too much." During teh celebrations for the league title last term Iniesta was given a special cheer by the fans and he was touched. "I was because I wanted to thank everyone for the fondness they have shown me and in each game I try to improve so we can celebrate winning more trophies."