Paul Scholes names Barcelona great Andres Iniesta as greatest player he ever faced

Sport360 staff 12:49 22/09/2018
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  • Paul Scholes named Barcelona great Andres Iniesta as the greatest footballer he ever played against during his career.

    Scholes, a Manchester United icon, revealed his answer at a charity dinner organised by the Association of Former Manchester United Players at Old Trafford, on Thursday night.

    The dinner was put on in recognition of the legendary midfielder, who won 11 Premier League titles and the Champions League twice in an illustrious career with the Red Devils.

    During the night Scholes spoke about his days in the famous red jersey and was praised by his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who delivered a special message to the 43-year-old via video link.

    “I still have Iniesta’s shirt from the 2011 final,” Scholes told the Independent back in 2014 – United lost both the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals to Iniesta’s brilliant Barca side.

    “He asked me to swap at the end of the game. His shirt is in my garage somewhere. I mean no disrespect, it is just I have never been one for memorabilia from my playing days.

    Iniesta

    “There is nothing of mine on display at home, apart from my 2008 Champions League winning shirt, which my oldest son has on his bedroom wall.”

    Former Blaugrana midfielder Iniesta came through the La Masia academy before making over 400 appearances for Barca – winning trophies galore.

    He also scored the extra-time goal in the 2010 World Cup final, as Spain tasted success for the very first time at the expense of the Netherlands.

    Scholes was also asked to reveal which one of his 155 goals was his favourite during his time at United, and one effort immediately came to mind.

    His 25-yard volley, scored against Aston Villa in a 3-0 away win by United all the way back in December 2006.

    “They always look good when they go in off the bar,” recalled Scholes.

    “Maybe it wasn’t the most important in terms of a match but that was one that gave me a lot of satisfaction.”

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