Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has declared that the sacrifices made as a professional footballer have paid off, after he was named Best Attacking Midfielder for the 2008/09 season by Spain's Professional Football League (LFP).

Iniesta joined the youth setup as a 12-year-old, gradually making his way through the ranks at Camp Nou, before making his debut in 2002, establishing himself as a permanent fixture in the side from the 2004/05 season onwards.

Despite only playing 26 of Barcelona's Primera Liga fixtures last term, the midfield dynamo was recognised by the LFP judging panel as the best attacking midfielder in the competition, and he believes that the sacrifices demanded of a professional have now paid off.

"Until today, all the sacrifices have paid off, and I am happy for that," he said, according to AS before stating his desire to remain at Barcelona for a while yet.

"I want to be there for many years to come, because Barcelona has given me everything," declared Iniesta.