Andres Iniesta has named the three Barcelona players he would most want to sign if he was a manager.
Iniesta, 40, announced his retirement earlier this week, bringing his legendary 24-year professional career to an end.
The Spanish great has confirmed that he has started a coaching course as he looks to take his next step in football.
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Since leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta enjoyed spells with Vissel Kobe in Japan and Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before finally hanging up his boots.
His long-time Barcelona partner in crime, Xavi, was the club's first-team coach between 2021 and 2024.
The 44-year-old led the Catalonians to the La Liga title in the 2022/23 season, but was replaced by German Hansi Flick following a trophy-less campaign last term.
Flick has seen his Barca side to the top of the Spanish top flight after nine games this term.
So, his job looks secure at the moment. However, Iniesta has been keen to stress how he would like to "return to Barca at some point".
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It's not clear when, or if, Iniesta will embark on his senior managerial career, but he has revealed what three players he would sign from Barcelona if he was given the chance.
His choices were fairly left-field, with a midfielder, winger and goalkeeper included.
“I would sign Pedri, [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen and Ansu Fati,” he told Spanish outlet El Partidazo de Cope.
Pedri will be especially pleased with the mention, with the Spanish international regularly compared to Iniesta.
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The pair cut an uncanny resemblance with similar characteristics, including a deft first touch and impressive passing range to add to their low centre of gravity.
“We spoke several times, and I told him that I am available if he needs any help, I feel that I can help him because he is in Barca and because of these comparisons,” Iniesta told ESPN in 2022.
“He’s an amazing boy with incredible talent. If he continues with this desire to work and improve and continues to be humble, he will set an example.”
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Ter Stegen is currently sidelined, having ruptured his patella tendon against Villarreal in September.
The German goalkeeper seems a sensible choice for Iniesta to want to sign, given his longevity at Barca.
As for Fati, his inclusion could surprise fans.
The 21-year-old broke through in 2019 and was tipped for greatness. But, so far, has failed to fulfil his potential.
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A loan spell at Brighton gave him a taste of Premier League football last term, although he struggled to make an impact in England.
And he has featured just three times for Barca so far this season, leading to speculation he could leave the club on a permanent transfer in January.
Topics: Andres Iniesta, FC Barcelona, La Liga, Transfers, Barcelona, Pedri, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Ansu Fati, Xavi
Luke Davies