Andres Iniesta is enjoying being the elder statesman and captain of Barcelona, and responded to anyone who doubts him for not being Catalan.
The retirement of Carles Puyol and the departures of Victor Valdes and Xavi Hernandez over the past few years have left Iniesta as the most experienced player in the Barca squad.
It was put to the midfielder in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that it may be a strange situation to be in, but Iniesta denied that was the case.
“I’m not the oldest! One of, but not the oldest,” he began in reply.
“It’s not weird to be the most experienced. It’s nice, because it means you’re still significant, and that’s what you want and what you hope for. Really, I’m happy.
“Above all it’s a special responsibility [to be captain] and not only represent the team but much more: the locker room, the image of the club…it’s very nice.
“It’s especially nice for someone who’s been at the club for so long. To become the captain of the first team is something special.
“People are different and I don’t think there’s an exact model for captaincy. I’ve been fortunate to have [Puyol], Xavi or the current Coach as captains.
“Everyone loves this club as much as everyone else and you have to think of the group before you think of yourself. That’s a captain. Someone who considers many things, not just football.”
Iniesta was asked for his thoughts on the criticism he has received for being from Albacete, rather than Catalonia, and he admitted he had little time for such thoughts.
“I don’t get into issues that don’t affect me. I’m transparent in my feelings,” he continued.
“I’ve said many times I don’t see [representing Barca and not being Catalan] as incompatible. There are people who don’t want to understand everywhere, in Barcelona, in Albacete, in Madrid…everywhere.
“Therefore, I don’t stop to think about what they say or what I should say about speaking in Catalan or Spanish. Anyone who wants to understand how I feel will understand, because it’s logical.”
