Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta
Luke Davies
Andres Iniesta once revealed his dream five-a-side team and some of the Spanish legend's choices will raise eyebrows.
The 2010 World Cup winner has confirmed he will retire on October 8 after a career spanning over two decades. The former Spain midfielder was part of the 2008-2012 Barcelona team, managed by Pep Guardiola, that dominated the Spanish domestic scene and European football.
His impressive trophy haul includes nine La Liga crowns, six Copa del Reys, four Champions Leagues and even a J1 League with Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he has played most of his football since leaving Barcelona in 2018.
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For the last year, Iniesta has plied his trade in the United Arab Emirates with Emirates Club but has now decided to call time on his career.
The 40-year-old has played with the very best footballers of his generation, he revealed his dream team in an interview with Barcelona.com back in 2017 and included four high-profile names alongside himself in the XI.
Manchester United fans will be pleased with his choice of goalkeeper after he opted to pick legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
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"In goal, I would say Peter Schmeichel, because I think of him as one of the greatest in history," Iniesta said.
"When I was younger, I was drawn to his physical power and incredible saves.
"I would have loved to play with him.
"In defence, I would say Paolo Maldini for everything he has represented for Italy, his club and throughout his whole life.
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"His journey, the trophies he's won, his way of doing things — I would have loved to share a changing room with him."
Moving into Iniesta’s domain of the midfielder engine room, he could not help but go for a former Barcelona man, saying: "Michael Laudrup is my midfielder because he is one of my idols.
"It would have been incredible to play with him — even for a second.
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"His was of playing, of doing things, his style, his class."
Up top, he went for another former Barca player.
"And I would have loved Ronaldo in attack as I believe him to be one of the best in the world," he revealed.
“In 1996, when I was at Barcelona, it was the year he arrived at the club and he left me in awe.
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"He impressed the whole world and later won many, many things.
"He was the difference in every team he played for."
Supporters may be surprised that the likes of Xavi, Carles Puyol and Lionel Messi are missing from the side, but the selection was based on the players he did not share the pitch with.