10.12.2010 14:42

Iniesta heralds historic event

Anna Segura

Andrés Iniesta believes that it does not matter who wins the coveted Ballon d'Or next month in Zurich because whatever the outcome it will be an historic occasion for FC Barcelona as he, Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernández are the final three candidates.

The midfielder was informed last Monday that he and his team-mates were the trio who would compete for the prize of being voted the world's best player in 2010 and he told Punto Radio about the incredible feelings and pride within the club that three homegrown players being nominated had brought.

Incalculable value

Iniesta joined Barça at La Masia aged 12 and is well aware of what the line-up for the final there of the Ballon d'Or this year represents for the youth system at the club. "Beyond who will win the award on January 10, it will be an historic and unforgettable event," he explained. "It is great that three Barça players that have grown up through the ranks and were formed here should be up for these types of awards. It has an incalculable value."

La Masia

Reflecting on his progression through the club, Iniesta continued: "Here they taught me what was instilled in me by my parents. We should not forget that La Masia is like a family. La Masia has been fundamental to making me the person that I am today, above all my human values."

Key player

Pep Guardiola has also been nominated as coach of the year, along with Vicente del Bosque and José Mourinho and Iniesta thinks that the list is fair. "All those nominated deserve it," he said. "(Guardiola) has been very important, not just for but also the whole team. He arrived at a delicate time and has been one of the main reasons for all the success we have had. I hope he can be here for a long time as that would be great."

Idol dreams

Iniesta then revealed that his idols were Guardiola and Michael Laudrup and never dreamt that the former would one day be his coach. "I dreamt of being like him," he stated. "In my wildest dreams though I never thought I would be here so long and achieve what I have achieved."

On the current season he added: "We have a very good squad of players, technically excellent, and all of the people here have a strong desire. There is no secret. We go out to win from the first to the 90th minute in every game. We play to make people proud of the team."