In the modern era, there have not been many more illustrious names in world football than Andres Iniesta.
The World Cup winner, who recently announced his retirement has departed the sport as one of its greatest names.
When the midfield maestro left Barcelona in 2018, Pep Guardiola thanked him via the Independent for his instrumental role during his side’s successes at the time of his reign.
Known for being a class act on and off the pitch, Iniesta lauded Phil Foden after he officially won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year Award in August this year.
Much like every Barcelona player that played for the club during their golden days, the Spaniard shares one common feature with the current Manchester City squad; playing under Pep Guardiola.
While the £378,846-a-week man’s time at Bayern Munich was a resounding success, his spells at his boyhood club and City can be considered his finest work.
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Iniesta makes Pep Guardiola revelation
Andres Iniesta has had the pleasure of playing under some of the greatest coaches to have ever stepped foot in club and international football in recent history.
At club level, Iniesta also played under Luis Enrique, who led Barcelona to the second treble in their history in 2015.
The retired technician also played under the likes of Luis Aragones and Vicente Del Bosque — who led Spain to winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Spain’s era of dominance is considered the greatest an international team has ever produced.
Despite being a once-in-a-lifetime player, the veteran can also consider him fortunate to have worked with such a high calibre of managers.
Yet, when quizzed about the best manager he has ever worked with, Andres Iniesta opted for Pep Guardiola.
Iniesta told SPORT: “[Pep] Guardiola is a complete player. His vision of football, his understanding of the game, his way of transmitting… everything.”
Pep Guardiola would appreciate Andres Iniesta comments
While Pep Guardiola must be accustomed to be praised left, right and centre, he would have a special appreciation for Andres Iniesta’s comments.
After what Iniesta has achieved in the game, for him to reserve such special praise for Guardiola goes to show how highly he rates him.
The former Vissel Kobe talisman must have a soft spot for Guardiola as he played a vital role in becoming the elite midfielder he became over time.
By the time Pep Guardiola departs Manchester City, the players who played under him will likely echo Andres Iniesta’s claims.
Such is the impact Guardiola tends to have on his players and will continue to do so until he retires.
All-time greats like Andres Iniesta and Pep Guardiola tend to have a mutual respect towards each other.
