Andres Iniesta says he misses Spain teammates Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso

Andres Iniesta says he misses Spain teammates Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso

BARCELONA midfielder and Spain international midfielder Andres Iniesta admits that he misses playing alongside former teammates Xavi and Xabi Alonso.

The three players were the core in Spain’s midfield as they clinched a hattrick of major international trophies including the 2008 Euros, the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros.

After both Xavi and Alonso retired from international football after a disastrous 2014 World Cup campaign, Iniesta will look to pull the strings in Spain’s midfield without the help of his usual partners in crime.

“Both were great comrades for Spanish football,” the Barcelona captain told the Times of India before highlighting his special relationship with Xavi, which started at Barcelona’s youth academy La Masia more than 25 years ago.

“I definitely miss Xavi and Xabi Alonso. Both were great comrades for Spanish football. We had a wonderful time together, winning numerous trophies across the globe.

“And if I start speaking about Xavi, I really do not know where to start. It was a privilege to play alongside him throughout the years at Barcelona and the national team. We’d be sure about each other’s position on the ground without even looking at each other.”

In the 2008 edition of the European Championship, Xavi scooped up the player of the tournament award, with Iniesta repeating the feat four years later.

“Xavi and Xabi had their time. Sadly, everybody has to retire someday. You do not get players of their ability overnight. Yet, I must say, we have an envious list of players to choose from. That’s good for Spanish football on the whole,” Iniesta concluded. Kickoff.com

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