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Andres Iniesta hints at Barcelona return and eyes 'coach or sporting director' role

Home> Football

Published 11:36 11 Oct 2022 GMT+1

Andres Iniesta hints at Barcelona return and eyes 'coach or sporting director' role

Iniesta left Barcelona for Japanese side Vissel Kobe in 2018.

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan

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Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta says he would like to return to the Catalan club in some capacity once his playing career is over.

Iniesta, 38, is widely viewed as one of the greatest players in Barcelona's history.

After graduating from the club's famed La Masia academy in 2002, Iniesta went on to make 674 appearances for the senior side, scoring 57 times.

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Over the course of his 16 seasons with the first team, Iniesta won nine La Liga titles, the Champions League four times and the Copa del Rey six times.

He eventually left the club to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe on a three-year deal in 2018.

Iniesta still remains with the J-League side and is now into his fifth campaign with the club.

The former Spain international says he has no immediate plans to return but admits he would like to return to Barcelona once he finally hangs up his boots.

Iniesta is one of the greatest players in Barcelona's history (Image: Alamy)
Iniesta is one of the greatest players in Barcelona's history (Image: Alamy)

"I'll spend another year here, then we'll see," Iniesta told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"I'd like to return to Barcelona, but I don't know which role. Coach, sporting director or other.

"In any case, I'll have to form myself. I still see myself as a footballer."

Barcelona are currently managed by Iniesta's former midfield partner Xavi, who was appointed as Ronaldo Koeman's replacement in 2021.

Iniesta is now at Japanese club Vissel Kobe (Image: Alamy)
Iniesta is now at Japanese club Vissel Kobe (Image: Alamy)

The Catalan club have made a promising start to the new season and are currently top of La Liga, ahead of rivals Real Madrid on goal difference.

The two giants of Spanish football meet at the Bernabeu on Sunday in the first competitive El Clasico of the campaign.

Up first for Madrid, however, is a trip to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Barcelona host Inter Milan the following day.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Andres Iniesta, Barcelona, Football, La Liga

Rory O'Callaghan
Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA.

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@rory_ocallaghan

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