Spanish legend Andres Iniesta is still unsure about when he will call time on his international career with La Roja, and refuses to rule out the possibility of continuing to play for national team after the 2018 World Cup.
After Iniesta bid farewell to Barcelona this season for a more lucrative and less-intense assignment in Japan, the World Cup was believed to have been his swansong with the national team.
But given the midfield maestro has said that the decision will be taken after analysing his physical condition and his move to Asia works out.
"This World Cup could certainly be my last appearance with the national team, but once it's over, I'll analyse everything and start with my new destiny, and we'll see the circumstances," Iniesta told EFE.
"I don't rule out continuing but it is very difficult because I've always had a life related to Barcelona and the national team. Once it's over, I will analyse everything and decide.”
Iniesta, however has no intentions of letting talk of retirement clog his head and plans to enjoy what will be his last FIFA World Cup. It was Iniesta’s extra-time goal against the Netherlands in 2010 that helped Spain clinch their first ever World Cup title.
"It's special because it will be my last World Cup," he added. "But I don't want to think like it is my last one, instead I will face it like it is my first. If you face it like the last one, it can affect your mind, that is why I will face it like my first World Cup.”
The 2018 World Cup in Russia represents a big chance for Spain to return to their days of dominance when they won three titles on the bounce before a first round exit in the 2014 World Cup and a Round of 16 exit against Italy in the Euros in France in 2016.
"It's a very big challenge after our two disappointments from Euro 2016 and the 2014 World Cup.”
The former Barcelona man also spoke on his last couple weeks at the Catalan club and his emotional farewell.
"It has not been a long farewell, I've tried to savour every minute and every situation I've lived in," Iniesta explained.
"It's been an incredible thing for me, more than a dream."I have always had the affection and respect of the people but it has certainly been something that is difficult to describe with words. I feel very fortunate."
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