A lot of people talk about what makes the English Premier League so unique. For you, as someone who knows it so well, what makes La Liga so special?

I think that both leagues are very competitive and that the players that play in them are of the highest quality. Given that I began my professional career with Barcelona, my hope was always that, one day, I would play in La Liga, a competition that's always attracted me and which I've followed since moving to Spain. While it's true that in recent years we've managed to go almost unbeaten throughout the whole league season, it's also true that anyone can beat you if you're not focused and fail to perform to a high standard. There are some excellent teams who are extremely competitive and always give us a really tough game. Then, of course, there are the El Clasico matches, which is one of the most special games in world football. I also really like the Premier League because I think that it too is an exciting league with teams of real quality.

Since we’ve mentioned the Premier League, Pep Guardiola is leading Manchester City’s most successful period in their history. How impressed have you been with his ability to bring success wherever he goes?

I'm not surprised by it at all. As a coach, Pep is unique. He foresees everything that's going to happen in a game and that makes him really special because, regardless of how much someone has coached here, there and everywhere, in this league or that league, that quality is what allows him to succeed and do well wherever he goes.

Footballers are people of routine. One day you won’t be a Barcelona player anymore. What’s that thought like? Of waking up and not having to go into training?

In truth, I don't know. It's not something that I think about because I prefer to live in the here and now and just enjoy the fact that I can still perform to an elite level, and that I'm in really good shape, both physically and mentally, to continue to do so.

People will ask what a Barcelona after Messi will look like. Do you think the first season after you eventually leave will be a strange one for players and fans?

This club has always had world-class players who one day had to retire or ended up leaving for other teams. The club comes above everything and everyone. That's always been the case and that won't change when the day comes for me to leave. Whenever a player who had been in the first team for a long time left it was a bit strange for those of us who remained at the club. It happened with Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Deco, Mascherano, Valdes, Dani Alves… to name just a few. But for those of us who remained there was no option but to work hard and carry on performing as well as we possibly could. When I leave, there'll be great players in the team and others will continue to join to make it one of the greatest – for me, it's the best – clubs in the world, as has always happened.

Does the thought of one day not playing football scare you?

I don't think about it that much but, of course, when it has come into my mind, it's a strange feeling. I've always played football and, obviously, having to give it up overnight will be tough. I hope it's still a long way off yet [laughs].

On the other hand, what excites you most about retirement?

Now that I've got a family and we've got three children, the good thing about it is that I'll have more time to enjoy things with them. It really does make me so happy when I get to spend time with my wife and the boys, I really enjoy it and feel right at home. The same goes for my family and friends – I'm sure that I'll be able to spend more time with them when I don't have to follow the strict schedule that you have to as a professional footballer and that'll be really good. Perhaps the only other good thing about retiring is that I'll be able to eat a bit more chocolate and other such less healthy things and treats that are pretty much a no-no for me at the moment.