Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta has shared that he is currently working towards obtaining his coaching license.
This follows his retirement announcement from professional football in October, marking the end of his illustrious playing career.
However, Iniesta is not ready to leave the sport he has devoted nearly half of his life to. Instead, he is focused on staying involved in football by pursuing his coaching qualifications.
Playing Legends’ El Clasico
Iniesta made this revelation after participating in the ‘Clásico de Leyendas’, a friendly match between former FC Barcelona and Real Madrid players, which took place at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo.
Speaking to EFE (h/t Mundo Deportivo) after the match, Iniesta expressed his desire to remain connected to the football world and continue learning.
He shared that his aim is to explore all aspects of football, including coaching, as he takes on this new challenge.
Andres Iniesta is working on moving to the coaching role. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Iniesta noted that, after many years of being fully immersed in the professional side of the sport, he now has the opportunity to enjoy things outside of it, such as spending more time with family and pursuing other interests.
“I want to learn a bit about everything that football involves.
“I’m also working on the whole coaching title issue and also enjoying other things, which you can’t do when you’re in the profession. I’m looking forward to this next step,” he said.
The former midfielder, who played in front of 45,725 fans in Japan, reflected on his career and the transition to this next phase. While he will no longer be playing on the field, Iniesta emphasized his commitment to remaining part of football’s fabric.
“I will try to stay involved in the world of football,” he added.
His presence in the coaching world will be a natural progression for a player whose knowledge and experience have shaped many of his successful years with Barcelona and Spain.
The 40-year-old is determined to continue contributing to football, now in a different role, as he works towards obtaining his coaching license.