Pablo Larrazábal turns coach for old school friend Andres Iniesta

Ahead of this week’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship, Pablo Larrazábal turned coach as his old school friend Andres Iniesta tried his hand at golf.

Friends since they were classmates at famed Barcelona academy ‘La Masia’, the pair have since enjoyed distinguished careers in sport.

And with Spain World Cup-winning footballer now plying his trade with Ras Al Khaimah’s UAE Pro League team Emirates Club, Larrazábal invited the Barcelona legend to spend time together at Al Hamra Golf Club.

“We’ve known each other for 27 years since he came to Barcelona to join my school ‘La Macia’,” said Larrazabal. “He came into my class and we sat next to each other for two and a half years and became friends.

“We lost contact a little bit when he was in his first few years playing for Barcelona but we bumped into each other when he was travelling to a match and I was on my way to a golf tournament.

"Since then, we’ve stayed in touch and, knowing that he plays here in Ras Al Khaimah now for Emirates Club, I got in contact with him.

“Hopefully he’ll come to the tournament over the weekend with his family.

"We’ll see, he’s got passes but you know, he’s a very famous guy so he attracts a lot of attention. I want him to come and enjoy being in my office because we’ve enjoyed watching him in his office over the years.”