Andres Iniesta, 38, is a pioneer in AV depression.
At his worst, he saw no meaning in life.
I hugged my wife, but I felt like hugging a pillow, he says.
Andres Iniesta has previously spoken of the deep depression he suffered when he was at the peak of his career.
The cause was the death of his close friend, Espanyol player Dani Jarques, of a heart attack at the age of 26 in the summer of 2009.
“I didn’t feel anything when I hugged my wife”
The star midfielder, who can look back on nine La Liga titles, four Champions League titles and a World Cup gold medal where he himself scored the winning goal, reproduces in the “The Wild Project” podcast what the days could look like.
When I was depressed, the best time of the day was to take pills and sleep. I have lost the will to live. I hugged my wife, but I felt like hugging a pillow. You don’t feel anything, he says.
I still play football
Iniesta is feeling better today, but he is still undergoing treatment.
– I still go to therapy because I need to settle down with myself. I love hearing professionals talk about mental illness and depression. Over time, life teaches you that depression and mental illness can affect anyone. It is not about material things. I can have all the cars in the world and everything else I want, but life’s problems can still be tough.
Iniesta, 38, played in F.C.B During most of his career, he left for Japanese team Vissel Kobe in 2018. The Spaniard’s contract with the Japanese club runs until 2024.