Andres Iniesta Defiantly Vows He Isn't Retiring Following Philippe Coutinho Signing

While Philippe Coutinho is tipped to replace Andres Iniesta, the Barcelona legend has insisted the £142 million man isn't retiring him.

Barcelona have heavily reinforced their squad following the world record breaking sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, in the summer. The Blaugrana snapped up French starlet Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in a £135 million deal, and have now secured the services of Coutinho, among other signings such as former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho, Portuguese full-back Nelson Semedo and Colombian defender Yerry Mina.

Manager Ernesto Valverde is looking to freshen up his ageing team with young talent.

But despite Iniesta heading into his final years as a player, he's defiantly vowed he isn't going anywhere.

"I'm a player for this club and I've always said that only the best can play for this club," he told Onda Cero via Football Espana about the signing of the Liverpool star.

"That makes Coutinho one of the best. He's young and he has an innate talent, while Barcelona are a club where he can keep growing."

Iniesta added: "That side, there will never be a player that can make me retire or kick me out of here. At 33 years of age, that isn't the issue. Coutinho has come here to improve us."

_{Iniesta on the ball for Barcelona. Image: PA}

The 33-year-old then suggests Coutinho is perfectly suited to Barcelona's style of play, while describing his best traits.

"I'm happy that he's one of the best players in his position. He has the things that we like.

"He's a quick and skillful player, who links up very well, uses both feet very well, creates goals and scores them."

_{Barcelona unveil Coutinho during official presentation. Image: PA}

Coutinho's hefty price tag has divided opinion, with Iniesta weighing in on the £142 million deal.

"He'll find a very good environment to grow here. The money we paid for him is another thing.

"The price of the market decides what a player is worth. Beyond the madness, we must be happy that he's ours."

The prospect of Iniesta and Coutinho linking up is a mouth-watering vision.

Topics: Football News, Coutinho, Football, Barcelona, Andres Iniesta, La Liga

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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