Andres Iniesta is to have a bronze statue of him unveiled in his birthplace of Fuentealbilla on Friday.
Daniel Peinado, President of the Barcelona Federation of Supporters Clubs in the Castilla-La Mancha region, where the small village of Fuentealbilla in the province of Albacete is located, explained why the sculpture was a tribute to the Spanish World Cup winner.
“It is for his values and feelings towards his people. Around 3,000 of them will be there to witness an act of recognition for a player who has earned it for his simplicity, the way he conducts himself and his fellowship,” Peinado explained to EFE.
He also recalled Iniesta’s gesture after scoring the 2010 World Cup Final winner when he revealed a t-shirt with a message for his late friend Dani Jarque, who was captain of Espanyol before dying of heart attack one year previously aged just 26, emblazoned on it.
“That detail, remembering his friend at that particular moment, shows what kind of heart Andres has and he deserves this honour.”
The President also said it will not be the last tribute Iniesta receives and revealed that he had spoken to the player’s father this week, when he was told of the Iniesta family’s gratitude for their son’s recognition.
The event will take place at 9pm when Fuentealbilla’s Mayor Angel Salmeron, Peinado and, of course, Iniesta will all take part in proceedings.
