Andres Iniesta on Barca return: The former Barcelona midfielder talked about his future ambitions, and a possible return to the club.
Andres Iniesta left Barcelona last season after 16 years in the senior side. He joined Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he has made 14 league appearances so far.
The former Barca midfielder left the club as one of their most decorated midfielders. In an interview with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he talked about his ambitions for the future, and the idea of a return to Barcelona.
Iniesta made 674 appearances for Barcelona, and built a formidable partnership with fellow midfielder Xavi at the club, which, in their prime, was widely regarded as one of the best midfield duos in football.
Here’s what he had to say about his plans for the future:
Andres Iniesta on Barca return:
The midfielder stated that he wants to enter coaching, and stated that being at the Camp Nou is a part of his plans for the long term.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” he said in the interview with Mundo Deportivo (via Football Espana).
Iniesta: “It is always special to be back to Barcelona. I always try to watch Barca from the distance. They’re doing it good & I hope that at the end of the season they can fight for all the titles.” pic.twitter.com/KwyNSr8zV4
— Barca Galaxy (@barcagalaxy) December 23, 2018
“I won’t say that I won’t like to coach Barça one day, but I can’t say it’s something I’m thinking about either.”
Iniesta admitted that he wants to come back to Barcelona, but insisted that he will wait to take the decision on his future after football.
“It’s true that I see myself as a coach one day and coming back here, but I’ll see what road is ahead of me once I stop playing football.
💭 Iniesta: “I’m not going to lie. Returning to the Camp Nou is special and returning as a guest is not the usual role in this stadium for me, but I am happy and happy and it is very special.” #fcblive
— FC Barcelona Fl 🏆 (@FCBarcelonaFl) December 22, 2018
“I feel at home here and I hope I can transmit what I’ve learned, what I’ve felt and what I feel for this club in the future.”
Andres Iniesta was a La Masia graduate, and made over 400 league appearances for the club. The midfielder lifted 9 La Liga titles with Barcelona, and four Champions League titles.
Iniesta: “Back in Barcelona? Yes. Enjoying these days. I wanted to go back because it had been nice but intense months in Japan, I wanted to see my family and return home, the children. They also wanted to go back. Enjoying the holidays and rest.”
— Barça Centre (@barcacentre) December 22, 2018
Pep Guardiola had previously entered coaching, beginning his senior managerial career at Barcelona after spending a major part of his playing career at Camp Nou. His Barca side was widely regarded as the strongest team in footballing history, as he lifted 14 trophies in his four season with the club.
