Barcelona Legendary Iniesta Reveals Favourite Game of His Career

Andres Iniesta has revealed the match that transformed his life and chosen his favourite game during his illustrious career that spanned over 1,000 matches.

The Spaniard thinks that his Barcelona debut against Club Brugge away from home is still his favourite game, despite playing in many unforgettable matches, finals, and winning 31 titles, including 10 league championships, seven cups, four Champions Leagues, two Euros, and a World Cup. With Iniesta playing the whole ninety minutes, the Catalans triumphed by a narrow 1-0 score.

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Speaking to ESPN, Iniesta said: “The debut. That for me is the moment. Beyond the obvious games — the finals, the semifinals, the titles — that’s the happiest moment. When I was small back in my town, being with my dad, playing on gravel pitches, I dreamed of being a footballer. Becoming a footballer, I was happy.

“Everything that came next was a consequence of many factors but the most important day is when I made my debut. I’m the same in essence. Then to play in the elite, in doing a job for so long, you need a huge amount of work, dedication, and sacrifice. The work is infinite.”

Iniesta has starred in several title deciders and El Clasicos and it was no surprise that he was in a fix when asked to choose his favourite match. And the midfielder ended up picking a handful of them which remains etched in his memory.

“There are so many. Off the top of my head I would say, for example, a Barcelona-Sevilla game that we won at Camp Nou, when I scored the first and we played a spectacular game,” he said.

“The last [Copa del Rey] final against Sevilla too. It’s a final but you’re going to have to let me include it because it was my last title [for Barça]. That day, pffff. I believe in energy, in all those things, and that day I had the feeling that I was flying across the grass. It was one of the best games I remember at Barcelona.

“If we keep going, loads will come to mind: the 4-0 at the Bernabeu 2015, when Paulo Andrea [Iniesta’s second child] was born. A 2-3 at the Bernabeu. The last spell under [former coach Frank] Rijkaard wasn’t that great but I remember it fondly, as I was starting to play more.

“What can I say? It’s been brutal. I remember Old Trafford [a 1-0 win for Spain against England in February 2007], my first goal with the national team. The moment we were in was hard and look how things changed. That was the turning point. From there, we just didn’t lose. And there’s the penalties against Italy [at Euro 2008], where it all changes.”

Iniesta recently faced Ajman in the UAE Pro League, marking his 1000th career match with the Emirates Club. In addition to his 162 assists during his club career, he owns 104 goals, including 14 international goals.

On Wednesday night, Iniesta will return to action in the UAE Pro League against Khor Fakkan. However, the veteran acknowledged that he isn’t all that thrilled about his time in the Middle East and expressed his desire to work as a coach or athletic director once he hangs up his boots.