Barcelona’s midfield maestro is expected to end his playing career at his boyhood club, but the club wants the association to continue even longer and are set to offer him a role behind the scenes once the 32-year-old hangs his boots
Iniesta, in a recent interview with Cadena COPE, expressed desire to finish his playing career at Barcelona but added, “You’ll have to ask the directors about renewal of contract”. The former World Cup winner last signed a renewal back in 2013, which will keep him contracted with club till June, 2018.
However, Spanish newspaper Sports reveal that the reigning La Liga champions are set to open talks with Iniesta during the new year before this season ends and offer an extension, with the midfielder having the freedom to choose its length.
This is an exception to the rule generally followed by Barcelona of offering year-on-year contracts for players around 33, but then Iniesta isn’t your regular player either. A club legend who has been ever-present for the team for two decades and someone who exemplifies the values of the club to the T, deserves the special treatment.
And that’s not all, with Barcelona also expected to offer Iniesta a role at the club beyond the pitch once he retires from his playing career, whether as club ambassador, assistant coach or youth coach remains to be seen.
Barcelona know Iniesta is the perfect role model to follow on and off the pitch and a reference point for anyone who wants to achieve big in the world of football. Iniesta made his 600th appearance for the club at start of this October, with manager Luis Enrique calling him a ‘World Emblem.”
While players tend to slow down once they are on the wrong side of thirty, it’s hardly been the case for Andres Iniesta, who has been churning world class displays on regular basis for both his club and his country. The club would be hoping to sustain this for as long as possible, as he continues to be a key player for Enrique’s Barcelona.
There aren’t many sights more visualizing pleasing than watching Iniesta on the ball, so one does hope the talks of him retiring are put on hold for at least few more years.
