Andres Iniesta has blamed Jose Mourinho for dividing the Spanish national team during his time as Real Madrid manager.

Tensions ran high in La Roja’s camp as Real Madrid and Barcelona players had to play together as they looked to win more silverware.

Mourinho managed Real Madrid for three years between 2010 and 2013 and Iniesta is adamant he caused unnecessary tension.

During that time Spain won the European Championship in 2012 but Iniesta believes the Portuguese tactician damaged the team spirit.

“You don’t have to be for Barcelona or Real Madrid to know that the situation was unpleasant,” Iniesta told Marca.

“And the key component in that story was Mourinho.

“Whoever doesn’t want to see that, is radical.

“You didn’t see the rivalry that always existed before, it went beyond that, you saw hate.

“The Barca-Madrid tension caused by Mourinho did much damage to the national team [Spain] and the team-mates.

“That atmosphere developed and it was unbearable.”

Barcelona and Real Madrid were involved in several high-profile clashes during Mourinho’s time in La Liga.

The worst altercation saw Mourinho poke Pep Guardiola’s former assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye when the two sides met in 2011.