Humble Beginings
Andres Iniesta Lujan was born May 11th 1984 in the small village of La Mancha in Albacete Spain. He was born into a working class family, his father a brick layer, and mother a maid. Iniesta's grandparents ran the local pub in the village and the whole Iniesta family spent most of their time working there when they were not at their real jobs. Growing up Iniesta carried the football everywhere he went with him, and spent a majority of his time on the school field kicking and dribbling the ball, or what he describes as "his best friend."
First Team
At the age of eight Iniesta was enrolled into the Albacete Balompie children's team, and began playing football on a regular basis. This was hard on his parents, and the family business, because to get to practice every day it was a forty five minute drive. Iniesta used to have to leave school an hour early just to get to practice, and some days would even leave at lunch for practice and then be back at his desk later that day, after a 90 mile trip and training.
Barca Snaps up the Young Star
At the age of twelve, while playing in a tournament, Iniesta was noticed by the academy of Futbol Club Barcelona. Iniesta traveled to Barcelona to join the legendary Barca Youth Academy. Moving to Barcelona was extremely hard on him, as his parents were hundreds of miles away, and at the age of twelve Iniesta only saw his parents once a month.
"I was slow to adapt to the new situation. I remember calling my parents constantly, I needed to see them, be with them, listen to them. The first few months were hell as I only met my parents once or twice a month. The family situation did not allow us for more. Whenever they would visit I would hug them and I was the happiest man on earth. We would spend the whole weekend together, not a second apart, and I would even sleep with them." (www.Andresiniesta.es)
Progressing Through the Ranks
Iniesta started getting used to the situation and making friends at Fc Barcelona's Youth Academy. He was progressing through the levels of the Academy at a quick rate. After six years at the Academy Iniesta turned eighteen, and his family were able to move to Barcelona to be with him. It was hard for his family to leave their humble roots in the village to go to the big city, and Iniesta and his family still today visit there old village on a regular basis.
Rise of a Superstar
During the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 seasons Iniesta played for both the Fc Barcelona first team and the Fc Barcelona B team. The 2004-2005 season saw Iniesta become a key member of the squad, and pick up his first major trophy, with the Spanish La Liga championship going to Fc Barcelona. The 2005-2006 season for Iniesta was huge, with him becoming a star of the team and helping the club win another La Liga Title, and the coveted Uefa Champions League title.
Although during the 2006-2007 and 2007- 2008 seasons, Fc Barcelona did not win any titles, Iniesta rose and become a world class footballer. During the summer of 2008 Iniesta participated in the European Championships with Spain, and brought the title home to the delight of Spanish fans everywhere. Iniesta started every single game in the competition, and was named to the All-Star team.
World Class Player
During the 2008-2009 season some performances by Iniesta showed the world that he was one of the best players in the world. Iniesta has become one of the best dribblers of the ball, and finds ways to go past numerous defenders with ease. With all the great performances, Iniesta has attracted the attention of others teams. Manchester City is thought to be preparing a big money bid for the midfielder. Iniesta's contract with Fc Barcelona is until 2014, with a 150 million Euro buyout clause, so it does not look like Iniesta is going anywhere.
Andres Iniesta had a great struggle to get to be the superstar that he is today. With great humbleness and hard work, Inesta has made all his dreams come true.
Benj Lance - Just a young man trying to keep everyone informed about the world of football (soccer to the americans). Wrote for a couple websites ...
