Latest news with #AndresIniesta
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Andreas Christensen picks his ultimate Barcelona XI full of icons and heroes
Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen recently took some time to reflect on the rich history of the club by revealing his all-time favourite Barça starting XI. Speaking to the club's official media, the Danish centre-back picked a star-studded line-up filled with iconic players who have left a lasting impact on the Camp Nou. Advertisement His choices were a mix of footballing royalty, personal favourites, and teammates he's had the honour of sharing the pitch with. From rock-solid defenders to creative midfielders and game-changing forwards, Christensen's XI is a tribute to the club's greatest talents. Solid at the back, magic in the midfield In goal, Christensen had no doubts, as Victor Valdes was his pick. The Dane praised the legendary goalkeeper as a key figure in one of the greatest club teams ever. 'He was part of one of the best teams that has ever existed,' he said. His backline included Dani Alves, Carles Puyol, Ronald Koeman and Jordi Alba. Each player, in Christensen's eyes, brought something unique to the team. 'Puyol's passion for football was incredibly important for the team,' he added. On Alba, whom he played alongside at Barça, he remarked, 'I saw how incredibly good he is, his assists and how he always pushed forward.' In midfield, Christensen selected Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, and Michael Laudrup. He spoke highly of Busquets' composure under pressure: Advertisement 'It was an honour to play with him. I don't know how, but he always turned in the right direction, never feeling the pressure.' Iniesta, his personal favourite, and Laudrup, his fellow Dane, completed a midfield full of elegance and intelligence. A front three that needs no introduction Up front, Christensen went with the legendary trio of Lionel Messi, Johan Cruyff, and Ronaldinho. The defender did not feel the need to explain this choice, simply stating that their inclusion 'needs no explanation.' All three changed the way football is played and helped shape the identity of FC Barcelona.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta sends fans into a frenzy as he delivers the Champions League trophy to Munich ahead of the final between PSG and Inter Milan
Fans in Munich were greated to the appearance of footballing legend Andres Iniesta, who helped deliver the Champions League trophy to the city that will hosting this year's final. The four-time winner partnered with official sponsors FedEx, who delivered European football's most prized piece of silverware from UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland to the Champions League festival at the Olympiapark Munich ahead of the final. Iniesta led a procession - named the Walk of Champions - that was made up of stars from the local community, including International Football Club of Bern, DFI Football Academy and UEFA Foundation for Children's, SCORING GIRLS*. Fans could hardly control themselves as the 41-year-old arrived in the Bavarian capital. Those involved in FedEx's Delivering For Success film were all given exclusive access to Iniesta with learning experiences covering education, equipment provision, coaching and career management. 'For me, being on the side of FedEx and working together for this special moment with the UEFA Champions League in this place like Munich is very special, and I'm very happy to be here,' said the legendary former midfielder, who won his fourth and final European crown in Germany a decade ago. Mail Sport had the chance to witness the frenzy that accompanied the Barcelona great's arrival, as well as the fun on offer for fans ahead of Paris Saint-Germain 's clash against Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena. Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta greets fans at Munich's Olympic Stadium ahead of the 2025 UEFA Champions League final The 41-year-old arrived to much fanfare on Thursday, accompanied by the Champions League trophy, whose delivery he oversaw from Switzerland The Walk of Champions was made up of stars from the local community, including International Football Club of Bern, DFI Football Academy and UEFA Foundation for Children's, SCORING GIRLS* Fans could hardly control themselves as the 41-year-old arrived in the Bavarian capital. Those involved in FedEx's Delivering For Success film were all given exclusive access to Iniesta The legendary Spanish midfielder is a four-time winner of the European Cup, with the last victory coming in Berlin in 2015 There was plenty of fun on offer for fans in Munich at the Champions League festival ahead of the much-anticipated match Italian giants Inter Milan are hoping to put their Serie A pain behind them and lift the trophy for the fourth time, while PSG are bidding for their first triumph Iniesta was named Player of the Match during Barcelona's 3-1 win over Juventus at the Olympiastadion a decade ago Signed jersey of players from every team in this year's competition were on display at the Olympiapark Munich ahead of the final A giant inflatable Champions League trophy welcomed visitors into the park, while games, food stalls and other attarctions were plentiful on the ground
The Mainichi
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Football: Iniesta looks forward to 'El Clasico' in Kobe
OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Former Spain and Barcelona star midfielder Andres Iniesta said Friday he looks forward to playing in a five-on-five exhibition match in Kobe on May 25 featuring former stars of Barcelona and Real Madrid. The match at GLION Arena Kobe will try to restage the El Clasico between the La Liga rival clubs. Iniesta played in the J-League for about five years, all with Vissel Kobe, through the summer of 2023. "Kobe is my second home, so I'm really looking forward to going back," Iniesta said in an online press conference. "Legendary players will get together. It's a special opportunity for me, too." It will also serve as a rematch of Iniesta's retirement game at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium last December. The participants are scheduled to include Romario and Pepe.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Andres Iniesta drops incredible 2009 Champions League final admission
Andres Iniesta drops incredible 2009 Champions League final admission Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta has revealed an incredible secret behind the 2009 UEFA Champions League final win over Manchester United. Victory against Sir Alex Ferguson's team in Rome was remembered for Lionel Messi's iconic towering header at the Stadio Olimpico as Pep Guardiola bested Ferguson in two finals in the space of two years. Advertisement 2009 was Iniesta's second UCL crown, after coming on as a half-time substitute in the 2006 final win over Arsenal in Paris, as Henrik Larsson inspired a comeback win for Frank Rijkaard's team. He started in Rome, and again in Guardiola's win over the Red Devils at Wembley in 2011 with Messi on target once more, as Barcelona fired out a message to the rest of Europe. Iniesta won his fourth and final UCL trophy in 2015, under Luis Enrique, after lifting three major titles with Spain as part of his trophy-packed career for club and country. Andres Iniesta and Pep Guardiola However, the former midfielder has shared how the first final against United could have played out very differently, if he had listened to his body in the build up to the game. Advertisement 'The second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge will stay with me forever,' he told an exclusive interview with Four Four Two. 'Have I ever thought about what would've happened if I hadn't scored in the 93rd minute? Never, just in case! 'My shot was instinctive because I didn't have time to think about the execution. 'Going on to win that Champions League title felt much better than three years previously, even though I played injured in the final against Manchester United. 'I couldn't shoot because of the risk of tearing a muscle, but told myself, 'I can't miss this final after the one in Paris.' It turned out incredibly on the night, although I paid the price afterwards with several muscle injuries as a result.'
South China Morning Post
14-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong scores big as host of World Football Summit
Football legends Ronaldo Nazario, Andres Iniesta and Arsene Wenger are expected to visit Hong Kong in September for a major summit to be held in the city for the first time, the Post has learned. Advertisement The World Football Summit (WFS) will debut in Hong Kong from September 2 to 4 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Chek Lap Kok, with leading figures from the tech sector also expected to attend. Guests are expected to attend a dinner and tour the city on September 2, before the official summit takes place over the following two days. 'We are excited to share that the WFS will be hosted in Hong Kong for three consecutive years, specifically in 2025, 2026 and 2027,' a source said. The event boasts an impressive list of confirmed speakers, including Brazilian icon Ronaldo, Spanish midfield maestro Iniesta, ex-Arsenal manager Wenger and former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. Advertisement Other prominent figures from the sport who have confirmed their attendance include John Terry, Fabio Capello and Francesco Totti. Brazilian Marta Vieira da Silva, widely regarded as the greatest female footballer of all time with six Fifa World Player of the Year awards, and American two-time Olympic gold medallist Mia Hamm will also be visiting Hong Kong for the summit.
