Andres Iniesta: From shy schoolboy to Spain’s most decorated player – what’s next for the Barcelona legend?

“Normally I have everything under control,” Iniesta says of retirement. “And now I’m in another phase, but equally you still have routines, whether that’s taking your kids to school or doing other things that you have to stick to certain time periods.

“I’m pretty calm about the next step (after playing), that’s the truth.

“Most of the time, you were in awe at the technical moments, even if you knew the quality and talent of the players next to you, Messi, Busquets, Xavi, Thierry Henry and many more. I can have a job where you can really enjoy and enjoy such moments.”

I remind him of a story he told years ago about what happened the day after Messi won the Ballon d’Or in January 2011, when the votes were split between him and Xavi as Spain won the World Cup.

In the next training session, Messi was so outstanding that both Spaniards agreed that he deserved all the individual awards. “I actually take your word for it,” he laughs.

“I don’t remember that day. But it doesn’t matter. I’ve had days like this where I felt like I was in the presence of something very special.”

Many great coaches have helped Iniesta develop as a player, often in different ways.

Whether it’s Guardiola for his vision, coaches like Luis Enrique and Luis Aragones for their beliefs, game plans and relationships with players, or Louis van Gaal, who gave him his debut, for his openness and outspoken attitude.

Vicente del Bosque has a special place in his heart for the calm way he managed the group and conveyed his game plan and ideas to the players.

But what they all have in common, Iniesta concludes, is that they are “great football minds, because they are the best.”