'Being among the Ballon d'Or finalists is an honour' - Iniesta

Jan 7, 2013 4:15:00 PM

The Spain international has expressed his delight at being among the three final nominees for the prestigious award and reflected on his childhood as a footballer growing up

By Greg Stobart in Zurich

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is elated about being considered for the Ballon d'Or trophy next to team-mate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Euro 2012 champion had an outstanding tournament last year, providing two assists in six appearances and helped his side to come out victorious in the final against Italy.

"To be here is a very special moment, I feel that there's so many players out there at a very high level," the 28-year-old said during the press conference at the Uefa Ballon d'Or ceremony.

"Sitting here with Cristiano [Ronaldo] and Leo [Messi] is really something very beautiful and I am very happy now regardless of whether I win or not.

"What I've lived to experience this season has been great, it's been an absolutely unique moment and I just hope this year will just be as good as last."

The experienced midfielder then took the time to reflect on his childhood as a young footballer and noted that the most important thing in the sport is to experience joy.

He added: "When you are a kid you just want to learn, you want to play, you want to grow up, you want to get better, but you are not really wondering whether you are the best in your age group.

"The only thing you are interested in is having fun and doing whatever you like best and that is playing football."