Andrés Iniesta, the legendary figure of Barcelona and Spain, has acknowledged that the most challenging period of his life occurred during the 2010 World Cup. The loss of his dear friend Dani Jarque in 2009, at the age of only 26, due to a heart attack, deeply affected the magical midfielder. However, Iniesta‘s decisive goal against the Netherlands in the World Cup final, scored during extra time, played a crucial role in helping him emerge from his depression. Spain emerged victorious with a 1-0 win in the final, with Andrés’ goal in the 116th minute sealing the triumph. In a touching gesture, he revealed a message after the game that read: “Dani: forever with us.”
“Inevitably, I had to endure several unfortunate events within a short span, particularly during the most successful years of my career. The passing of my friend Dani in August 2009 placed me in an incredibly difficult situation, and seeking professional assistance became necessary. Undoubtedly, it was the most challenging phase of my life. The unwavering support from my partner Anna and my family proved to be invaluable, aiding in my resilience.”
“During that time, I simply didn’t feel like myself. The ability to derive joy from life eluded me, and a sense of passion seemed absent. I felt an emptiness within, but eventually, I reached a point where I realized that continuing on the same path was untenable. Witnessing others who had faced similar circumstances and managed to overcome them provided inspiration. Above all, I refused to lose the spark that defined me,” expressed Iniesta, overcome with emotion.
