A surprising sequence of events in the footballing world could see Andres Iniesta at Manchester City in the upcoming season. The veteran just played his final game for Barcelona and will leave the club after a 22-year spell. The 34-year-old is being considered for a player-coach position at the Etihad while Mikel Arteta continues to be heavily linked with the managerial position at Arsenal.
This could be a massive stretch from the truth or a highly probable trade, given the speed at which the news is getting revealed. Pep Guardiola’s presence at Manchester could be enough to lure Iniesta, having worked with him previously at Barcelona.
At some point, the veteran midfielder was even considering a move to either China or the MLS. However, working with his former boss and getting a head start into the coaching career might be enough to see him board the plane to England. All could depend on Arsenal’s final decision on whom to choose as their next manager. Should Arteta be denied the position, Iniesta’s transfer could very well fall through.
It was just over 6 months back when the 34-year-old had signed a ‘lifetime’ contract with Barcelona to end all sorts of speculation over his future. After agreeing to the new deal, the Spanish international said, “Everyone can understand that someone who is 33 might start to consider things but I never thought, ‘I’m leaving,’ it was more a question of weighing things up.”
“This is an indescribable sensation, to come here as a 12-year-old and still be here at 33 and to think back on everything that has happened gives me goosebumps. I have so much sentiment and love for this club, this is my home, the best place I could hope to be.”
Iniesta and Lionel Messi currently are the most successful player in Barcelona’s history with over 30 titles under their belt. Pep and a number of European outlets would deem themselves lucky to have a player of Iniesta’s calibre in their respective squads. His extraordinary touch paired with unchallenged footballing intelligence makes him one of the best players to have ever stepped on the footballing pitch.
Manchester City have enjoyed a highly rewarding season in the English top-flight, registering the double. Guardiola wants to continue on this illustrious path by adding more players into his already star-studded squad.
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However, Iniesta’s arrival could spark a debate over David Silva’s immediate future at the club. Both of them play in the similar position with Kevin De Bruyne holding the starting berth.
