Iniesta: Friends with Pepe? Why not

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has surprisingly stated that he could one day become friends with Real Madrid defender Pepe.

The two were embroiled in a war of words earlier this season after the first Clasico ended 2-2, and Pepe was again involved in controversy during the weekend past, getting into a physical confrontation with Levante's Sergio Ballesteros.

“Why not?” Iniesta responded when asked if he could envisage being friends with the Portuguese centre back by the magazine 'Sportyou.'

“There was a point in time when I said what I thought of him.”

The Spanish international also played down the on field tension between Blaugrana teammates Lionel Messi and David Villa and discussed Barca and Real's contrasting attitudes to their youth systems.

“What we have seen are things that remain on the field. These things happen at all workplaces.

“Every club is different. I've been fortunate to be where I am, and what matters is that people trust the cantera. Otherwise, it's not worth it.”

Iniesta was clear on his Ballon d'Or preference.

“The number one is Leo. Then people can vote as they see it. Cristiano [Ronaldo] is one of the major contenders for this and for all individual awards.”
 

Tags Ballon d'Or Iniesta Pepe
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