Iniesta: Critics said I was too old at 30 FIFA World Cup 2018 - Spain Says team responded well to Lopetegui sacking

In amidst calls to be dropped from Spain's starting XI, Andres Iniesta has slammed critics, claiming that people have been calling the midfielder 'old' since turning 30.

Despite qualifying first in Group B, La Roja have flattered to deceive throughout the World Cup thus far, and sections of the media and public back in Spain are calling for coach Fernando Hierro to cull the Barcelona legend.

"Since I turned 30, I've been hearing that I'm old," he told Radio MARCA.

"I am nobody to reproach anything that has been said, everyone has their opinion.

"But regardless of what is said about me, what I have always tried is to do my best and do things as well as possible.

"We know that there are opinions and points of view, and in many things we don't agree with it due to the fact that we have another way of looking at things.

"The players don't need someone from the outside to tell him that he has played well or badly."

Spain's FA (RFEF) took the drastic step of sacking coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup, and despite the 'uncomfortable situation,' Iniesta believes the team has responded well and still believe they can take home the World Cup.

"It was a difficult situation for all of us, nobody enjoyed going through it but it happened," he continued.

"From then on, the group responded very well.

"We're all bonding over the goal of winning the World Cup and continue to give our people happiness, which is more important than anything else."

With Russia set to be his final World Cup, Iniesta is adamant that the next generation of Spanish players have enough quality to be just as successful as the older generation.

"I see a great generation, players with a lot of importance in their club teams and who can continue to give a lot to the national side," he added.

"I have no doubts about the quality and commitment of these players.

"Everything is within their reach."