Andrés Iniesta: From shy schoolboy to Spain’s most decorated player: what’s next for the Barcelona legend?

“Normally I have everything under control,” says Iniesta when talking about his retirement. “And now I’m in another phase. But you still have your routines, whether it’s taking your kids to school or doing other things where you have to stick to certain deadlines.

“I am very calm about the next step [after playing] – that’s the truth.

“Many times, although you knew the quality and talent of those players, Messi, Busquets, Xavi, Thierry Henry and so many more at your side, you were amazed at the technical moments. It’s great to be able to have a job where you can really enjoy and savor those moments.”

I remind him of a story he told years ago about what happened the day after Messi won the Ballon d’Or in January 2011, when the vote was split between Xavi and himself in the wake of Spain winning the World Cup.

Messi’s next training session was so extraordinary that both Spanish players agreed that he deserved all the individual awards. “Actually, I’ll take your word for it,” he laughs.

“I can’t remember that day. But it doesn’t matter. I have often experienced days like that, when I felt like I was in the presence of something very special.”

Many great coaches helped Iniesta improve as a player, very often in different ways.

Guardiola for his vision, coaches like Luis Enrique and Luis Aragonés for his conviction, game plan and treatment of the players, or Louis van Gaal – who gave him his debut – for his clarity and direct attitude.

Vicente del Bosque has a special place in his heart for the calm way he led the group and how he translated his game plan and ideas to the players.

But Iniesta concludes that something they all had in common was their “spectacular football brain, because they are the best.”