Andres Iniesta Interview - Nike CTR360 Puppet Master

Andres Iniesta Interview - Nike CTR360 Puppet Master

Here's a behind-the-scenes chat with Andres Iniesta at the filming of Nike's latest video, which features a mini-Iniesta in puppet form pulling the strings wearing new Nike CTR360 III football boots. But what does Iniesta think of his puppet version, the new Nike CTR360 football boots, and the new La Liga season?

To celebrate the launch of the new CTR360 Maestri III boot, Nike has created a new film featuring playmaker Andres Iniesta, starring as a puppet master on the pitch. The FC Barcelona midfielder expertly pulls the strings dominating the midfield and dictating the pace of the game as a tiny figure on a miniature football pitch theatre set.

 

How does it feel to be back in training, at the start of the season with a full season of football ahead of you?

 

Andres Iniesta: Like every season, I'm really excited and determined to do well again.

 

 

What is your ultimate goal for the season with FC Barcelona?

AI: Once again we´ll be competing for everything and I look forward to playing to my ability, staying fit, training well and being competitive.

 

I always try to be healthy, to enjoy my football, to enjoy training and playing - and remaining injury-free and above all to improve as a footballer year on year.

 

You are known as a midfield maestro. Growing up as a young footballer could you see this type of role for yourself in football, the midfield controller? How do you do it? AI: Well, central midfield is where I have always liked to play; it´s where I feel most involved in the game, where defence begins and attacks start, and as you develop as a player you always try to improve all aspects of your game.   How do you set the tempo of a game, so you can control and dictate what happens around you? How do you stay calm? AI: Everyone is different, right? A central-midfielder, the player in the middle of the pitch, needs to be alert to everything, alert to moves, and that´s the task I carry out.

 

The new CTR 360 III Maestro boot helps you to receive, control and pass the ball; how does this boot help you to control the game?

 

AI: Above all I feel very good wearing them, they´re comfortable, also when striking the ball, when wrapping my foot around the ball, to be honest I love these boots.

 

In the new Nike film you are a puppet master, controlling the pitch; what do you think of it?

AI: It´s interesting, it´s cool and to be honest when watching the advert I love it.

 

 

How does the film mirror your game?

AI: Well, I obviously don´t consider myself to be a puppet, (laughs) but good, yes. You always try to transmit the type of person you are on the pitch and it´s something I like to do. I like the doll.

We are giving you the puppet that is used in the film - where will you keep it? Do you like it?

 

AI: I´ll look after it with affection and keep it in the museum as a souvenir.

 

 

What is your advice to young footballers who want to emulate your game?

AI: Well, as a midfielder the only piece of advice I can give is that I try to learn something from each training session, I try to read the game before my opponent because your position when you receive and control the ball is very important. Above all you have to have confidence in your ability.

Nike have created some memorable adverts in the past, and we're loving this one with Iniesta as the puppet master. Let us know what you think and join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.