Pinto: Iniesta has his own Ballon d'Or, he's got the respect of the people

Posted Friday, April 27, 2018 by Marca.com

Barcelona are preparing to mark Andres Iniesta's departure from the club, and former keeper, Jose Manuel Pinto, has made clear that the midfielder has an achievement even greater than the Ballon d'Or; the respect of the people.

Iniesta was given a standing ovation by both sets of supporters when he was substituted in Saturday's Copa del Rey final, but this is a feeling that is shared throughout Spanish football.

"I think the best recognition to have is from the people, Andres has his own Ballon d'Or, and it's that the people respect him," he explained at a press conference at the Camp Nou.

"He's a really good guy, he's humble and cares for his family, Andres is a man in the perfect sense of the word.

"Every time I think of Andres, I will think of him as a king."

Despite having left Barcelona in 2014 and not playing for another club since, the goalkeeper has announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday, with a burgeoning music career taking its place.

"Today my retirement from football is made official," he confirmed.

"I never did it before just in case I ever came back.

"I had offers, but I wanted to dedicate myself to music, I wish to thank all the clubs I played for."

Pinto was always a valuable understudy to Victor Valdes, especially with him having so much passion for the club when he was on the pitch.

The Blaugrana's current goalkeeping situation is rather solid with Marc-Andre ter Stegen reaching the upper tier of those in the position, although the former Los Cules stopper doesn't feel it's fair for him to judge the new crop.

"I'm not the best person to give advice to anyone," he admitted.

"I haven't trained with the two [Ter Stegen and Cillessen], but I've been told great things about them from the start.

"The greats, like Valdes, need a good backup and they have to be very strong, Cillessen is proving that he is."