Iniesta: ‘Right now, and for some time, the Masia has been recognised throughout the world. The secret is doing things in the right way from the very start and they try to improve you as a player and as a person too’
Iniesta: ‘Right now, and for some time, the Masia has been recognised throughout the world. The secret is doing things in the right way from the very start and they try to improve you as a player and as a person too’
Iniesta: ‘The new Masia’s inauguration today is very emotional. Important. There’s a real change between the old and new Masia, you can see how things have changed and I’m thrilled to be a part of the first team and to be here for the opening’
Iniesta: ‘The youngsters here must be aware of what they have, value going to school and being able to train every day because the time goes by really quickly. It’s hard to leave your family and so you have to appreciate what you have here. I’d tell them to enjoy themselves’
Iniesta: ‘I’ll always be grateful to Louis Van Gaal because not only was he the man who gave me my debut but also gave me a lot of confidence. I remember that the six games I played for him before he left, I started all those games. There were some big names available and I got the nod, even though I was only 18. He’s a coach who really values youngsters who are coming through and there were a lot of us who started with him. I’ll always have good memories of him’
– Our team has grown to be admired around the globe, with many foreign teams trying to copy the way we grow our young players. As things stand today, having a new Masia is not a luxury for FC Barcelona, it’s a necessity.
The secret is simple: Great coaches and bags full of young people who are full of determination, the goal to succeed. Many, many tears are shed when you grow up away from home, chasing a dream from a very early age. Our youngest La Masia players at the moment are Bobby and Alejandro Viedma – only TWELVE years old.
Last but not least, I’d like to highlight the coaches who give these players a chance in the big stage, the first team. Pep Guardiola is a clear example with 18 youngsters having debuted since he took over but let’s not forget his predecessors Rijkaard and Van Gaal.
PROUD OF LA MASIA, PROUD TO BE BLAUGRANA!!!!!!!
