Andres Iniesta paid tribute to former Barcelona youth coach Joan Martinez Vilaseca, who has died at the aged of 78.
Vilaseca, who played for Espanyol and Levante, spent almost 30 years with Barca as a coach and scout in the club's famed Masia academy.
25 años atrás daba uno de los pasos más importantes de mi vida llegando a La Masia. Y así comenzaba mi maravillosa y especial aventura en el @fcbarcelona 🔵🔴❤️ pic.twitter.com/UQ6lKZzC7y
— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) September 16, 2021
During his time at Barca, Vilaseca helped oversee the development of players who would go on to become household names, including Carles Puyol, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Mikel Arteta and Iniesta.
Former Barca midfielder Iniesta was one of the first to pay tribute, with the 37-year-old, who currently plays for Vissel Kobe in Japan, posting a message on Twitter.
"Thanks to an excellent person who was always there helping us when we were children we arrived at La Masia, rest in peace, Joan," Iniesta tweeted.
Gracias a una excelente persona que siempre estuvo ahí ayudándonos cuando siendo niños llegábamos a La Masia, descanse en paz, Joan. Muchas gracias por toda su dedicación al Barça. Mucho ánimo y mucha fuerza a la familia!! https://t.co/9dhinyMw1X
— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) September 19, 2021
"Thank you very much for all your dedication to Barca. A lot of encouragement and a lot of strength to the family!!"
