The Euro 2012 Golden Boot award winner was full of praise for the impressive Juan Roman Riquelme, hailing him as one of the best players he has played alongside.
Louis van Gaal’s stay at the Camp Nou saw Andres Iniesta develop a close relationship with Argentine legend, Juan Roman Riquelme. The attacking midfielder had a short stint with Barcelona before moving on to Villarreal and finally settling at http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Boca-Juniors-c38658.
The much travelled maestro is at the tail end of his glittering career and recently refused to renew his expiring contract at the Bombonera, whilst also providing his services to the Yellow Submarine following their demotion to the Spanish Segunda Division.
With an impending retirement on the cards, Andres Iniesta took out time to reflect on the great footballing mind that Riquelme possessed. The Euro 2012 winner hailed his Argentine counterpart as a world class footballer, stating that his retirement will
rid the game from one of its beloved sons.
Reminiscing about the days gone by, Iniesta shared that he has fond memories of playing with Riquelme, claiming that it was an honour to share the dressing room with him.
"It is always sad when a world-class player such as Riquelme is no longer in the pitch. If he decides to retire, football has lost one of the best," he said while in conversation with Augol.
"I was lucky to have met him in my early years at http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604. After so many games, after so many good times we enjoyed and we've seen, I can say that I am delighted to have been his team-mate.”
Continuing on the praises, Iniesta highlighted the magic Riquelme brought on the pitch with the ball at his feet and the passes he made to bring their tactics and strategies to fruition.
"When I played with him and when I've seen him play what I liked most was the class that he had with the ball, the passes he made, the combinations.”
"He is a player with whom I identify, in the sense that he gives the football and asks for the ball at all times."
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