This Is Andres Iniesta

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

If you review Andrés Iniesta's Instagram account, you will miss a certain type of images that are associated with elite billionaire footballers.

In the photos shared by the captain of FC Barcelona, undoubtedly one of the best players on the planet and author of the remembered goal that Spain gave the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, luxury cars, yachts in paradisiacal places or exclusive brand clothing.

It is not for lack of possibilities, because the 33-year-old midfielder is one of the highest paid of the Barça squad with an annual salary calculated in most of everything in life, as in any company or job, everyone is different. Everyone has their best things, not so good, and I do not see that the footballer has to be associated with glamor or with extravagant things”.

Without tattoos, dyes that cover the incipient gray hair, striking hairstyles or scandal on his back, the player has earned a reputation for being a normal person in a world full of egos, whims and eccentricities.

It is something to which Iniesta, who defines his life outside the field of "simple", does not give many laps.

“We are athletes and each one uses his life in the way that he believes best for him. I suppose that within some parameters of respect, being humble, each one chooses the path they want and I choose mine”, he observed. “I am not trying to give an image that I am not. It would be contradictory. Each one tries to show himself as he is. I've always tried to be like this."

Those who know him assure that his character and personality are marked by his origins. He was born into a working family in Fuentealbilla, a small town in Castilla La Mancha with less than 2,000 inhabitants, where he grew up until his talent caught the eye of Barça scouts, who invited him to move when he was 12 years old. to the club's youthful promises residence in Barcelona.

The first days of solitude in La Masia -the name of the residence- far from his family have never been forgotten. "I have spent the worst day of my life at La Masia," he confessed in the biographical book The Play of My Life (Malpaso Ediciones).

Perhaps that is why his life outside of soccer revolves mainly around his own, as he pointed out when he tells what he does with his time away from professional obligations.

“You dedicate it to the family. Today I am studying Physical Education, I have one year left, replied the player. “I like to enjoy my family, my children, my friends, which is difficult to coincide. And a little more. Hobbies? Well, like everyone in general, I like the cinema, I like music, I like to relax and enjoy with the family in the free time”.

Iniesta has been married since 2012 to Anna Ortiz, with whom he has three children: Valeria, Paolo Andrea and the newborn Siena. The couple went through a very hard time about 3 years ago, when they lost the child they were expecting at 7 months pregnant.

His great off-court project also has its roots in the family and in his birthplace. Seven years ago, he opened the Iniesta Winery in his native Fuentealbilla, where almost all families have some land dedicated to the vineyard.

“It is something very important for me, for my family. It is a project from a long time ago, a family tradition of my grandparents, my parents, "he stressed. "It is a part of me, a part of my life, that today I cannot dedicate the time that it requires, for that I am lucky to have my father, who is like I was there. Tomorrow, let's see what happens. I like and am aware of relevant situations. It is my thing, ours, which are personal projects”.

After a season in which he played less than expected and with physical problems, his continuity in the club of his life is still not assured. His current contract ends next year and for now he has not agreed to the renewal offers that managers have proposed. He ensures that he is not in a hurry.

“I feel good, I am happy and therefore, I see what is very present. I also don't want to look any further”, he pointed out. "We will continue to see how everything is and, from there, to analyze what the future will be. Today what matters most to me is enjoying, being well. The rest will come."