Having starred in Stoke after making his name at the Camp Nou, the forward is now in Japan with pal Andres Iniesta
INTERVIEW
You’re 32 this summer, and joined Vissel Kobe last year. How much of a cultural change has it been?
Japan is fantastic, but not an easy place to live. The culture is like another world – especially when the border was closed and we couldn’t receive any visits. Being here alone is a challenge. Thankfully, the football is competitive.
What’s it been like to link up there with your old Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta?
It’s nice, not only to play alongside him, but to share the dressing room and yet another chapter in our lives together. When we were at Barça, we were 15 years younger so we wanted different things, but we got on well. I’m very happy that we have an even closer connection now.
What are your memories of breaking into the first team at Barcelona?
I’ll always be hugely thankful to Frank Rijkaard, because he gave me the time and the confidence to have a place in one of the best teams in the world at a young age – it’s not often a coach gives you that confidence. Barcelona were struggling, with players that had been together for a long time and had won a lot of titles, but Frank was good at managing the situation. He was a fantastic coach for my progression.
Tell us about Ronaldinho...
Ronaldinho was the best player I saw from the stands, when I was a fan going to the stadium. Then I had the experience of playing with him – it’s amazing what he can do with a ball. I was so shy, especially around him because I had so much respect, so I didn’t share a lot of situations with him. I’d just watch him and try to learn.
What about Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
Thierry protected me from his first day at the club – he was like a big brother around the dressing room. I love him as a person and I’ll always be grateful to have played with him. The same with Zlatan – I only had one year with him, but I remember after a few days at the club, he came to me and said, “Don’t worry about anything! Nothing will happen to you while I’m here!”
You had spells with Roma and Milan from 2011-13. Describe the season you spent with Francesco Totti.
That was definitely one of the greatest experiences I had in my career. Totti in Rome is like a God! The fans love him, and he loves the club. Roman culture is something you must live when you go there – it’s not easy because it’s so passionate. I did only one year there, but there’s a piece of my heart that’ll always be romanista.
How did your move to Stoke happen?
I’d spent three years temporarily away from Bar
