Andres Iniesta talks Barcelona, Yamal, Nico Williams, Mbappe, future return | OneFootball

Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has praised young footballer Lamine Yamal, calling his performance at just 16 years old “simply unnatural.” Iniesta encouraged Yamal to keep pushing forward and never stop learning.

Iniesta recently visited Llivia, Girona, to spend time with children participating in his summer camp. Alongside this, he is organizing the Iniesta Cup, a new youth football tournament set to take place in Albacete in December.

During his visit, the former Barcelona midfielder shared his thoughts on various topics, including his own situation, the Spanish national team, Barcelona, and several notable players.

Reflecting on Xavi’s departure from Barcelona, Iniesta admitted it was a difficult period for him. Watching his close friend face such a challenging time caused him personal distress as well.

“From the outside, and without wanting to give too much of an opinion, when things don’t go well you suffer and if there is a former teammate and friend, then you suffer even more,” said Iniesta as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“I hope that Barça has the continuity and strength to compete for everything. Talking more is difficult because I’m not there,” he added.

Despite this, Iniesta expressed his desire to return to Barcelona one day. He revealed that his next career move would likely be becoming a coach, showing his continued passion for the game.

“I would love to go back, but I don’t know when that will be,” the legend remarked.

Andres Iniesta is in awe of Lamine Yamal. (Photo by STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)

“My next step after football would be to become a coach and we’ll see if that works out. It’s about finding your place off the pitch. I don’t know, in two years I might be more in tune but now I don’t know,” he added.

Iniesta’s thoughts on Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams

When asked about Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Iniesta had high praise for both.

On Yamal, he emphasized how extraordinary his performance is for someone so young. Iniesta’s admiration for Yamal’s talent was clear, and he seemed excited about the youngster’s future.

“It’s unnatural, but these are exceptions that come along. He’s one of those players with talent above the norm.

“Now he’s starting. What’s needed is for him to keep learning and improving and to have continuity. He’s been playing for 16 years, not 23,” he said.

Iniesta also spoke about Nico Williams, highlighting his impressive performances that have made him one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

“He is young but his performance is what makes some of the biggest clubs interested in him.”

Regarding Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe, Iniesta cautioned that focusing too much on Real Madrid’s strength wouldn’t benefit Barcelona. Instead, he suggested that the team should concentrate on their own growth and development.

“The team that Madrid has and what they have been doing lately gives them security and confidence, but being focused on Madrid doesn’t help. Whoever is at Barça will try to bring in the best players to grow,” he said.