Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Andres Iniesta, Barcelona, Vissel Kobe
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Joshua Nair
Andres Iniesta recently spoke out on a number of topics in an interview with The Wild Project that included both football and non-football related subjects.
The 38 year old midfielder currently plys his trade in Japan for Vissel Kobe, having played for them since he left his boyhood club Barcelona in 2018.
Iniesta won nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues during his time with the Blaugrana, leaving as one of the club's most gifted and successful players.
Couple that with his World Cup final winning goal for Spain, and he really stands out as a true legend of the beautiful game.
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When asked about why he left Barcelona, Iniesta stated: "I felt that my time in Barcelona was over, it was clear that I did not want to play against Barça and that meant going outside Europe.”
He did add that he would want to return in some capacity though: “I want to return to Barcelona as a coach or sporting director, but first I have to learn in different areas, and then we will see."
During the interview, Iniesta discussed his mental health issues and problems he had to endure in his career: “I decided to speak out on my mental health when I was struggling. I know that I am a public personality, but I had to say things like they were. I never thought about people calling me crazy, or weak.”
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"When I was struggling with depression, my most enjoyable part of the day was when I took my pill and went to sleep at night. You lose joy from life, from everything. I hugged my wife, but it felt like hugging a pillow. You feel nothing."
The Spanish midfielder revealed that he still goes to therapy, highlighting how important it is to speak out: “I am still going to therapy, as I need to be at peace with myself. I like to listen to professionals talk about mental health and depression.”
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“Eventually, life teaches you that depression and mental health can affect anyone. It’s not about material things. I could have had all the cars in the world and everything I wanted, and it still is hard to face life’s problems. You need to train your brain.”