Barcelona Legend Andres Iniesta Opens Up on His Struggles With Mental Health and Depression

• Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta has spoken about his mental health and how he has been coping with depression over the years
• The 2010 World Cup winner now plies his trade with Japanese club Vissel Kobe, after leaving boyhood club Barcelona in 2018
• Iniesta won nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues during his time with the Blaugrana, leaving as one of the club's most gifted and successful players

Barcelona icon Andreas Iniesta wants everyone to realise that footballers are humans too, and they can have their struggles despite making mega money from the sport.

The 38-year-old midfielder, who currently plies his trade in Japan for Vissel Kobe, recently opened up on his struggles with depression and how he has been in therapy over his mental health issues.

According to Sport Bible, Iniesta revealed he lost the joy he had for life when he was battling with deep depression, as nothing felt 'alive' to him anymore.

Andres Iniesta expresses interest in returning to former club Barcelona once he retires as a player

Football

"When I was struggling with depression, my most enjoyable part of the day was when I took my pill and went to sleep at night. You lose joy from life, from everything. I hugged my wife, but it felt like hugging a pillow. You feel nothing."

Iniesta is considered one of the greatest players to play for Barcelona, after winning several accolades with the Catalans including nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

Iniesta thinking about Barcelona return

Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta has reiterated his desire to one day return to Barcelona in some official capacity when he finally retires from football, SB Nation reports.

Iniesta acknowledged he wouldn't mind coaching or serving as a sporting director in the future, after witnessing Xavi return to Barcelona as the team's coach.

Enock Mwepu: Chelsea boss Graham Potter sends encouraging message to retired Brighton star

Football

The 38-year-old midfielder is still with Japanese side Vissel Kobe but his contract expires in 2023.

Iniesta heaps praise on Neymar

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Andreas Iniesta showered praise on former Barcelona teammate Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior.

Iniesta played alongside Neymar, who currently plays for French giants Paris Saint-Germain, spanning four seasons between 2013 and 2017.

The Spaniard, who plays for Vissel Kobe in Japan, still keeps tabs on his former colleague who he says has found his mojo this term.