Barcelona legend keeps the door open for a possible return

It's been six years since Andres Iniesta said goodbye to the Camp Nou. During his sixteen years at Barcelona, the iconic midfielder won nine La Liga and four Champions League.

With Spain, Iniesta won the UEFA Euro 2008, UEFA Euro 2012, and the FIFA World Cup 2010, which included his winning goal against the Netherlands. Truly a legend of the game, he became a free agent after his one-year contract with UAE Pro League club Emirates Club ended on June 30.

Iniesta hinted at the possibility of becoming a coach

In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Iniesta spoke about his coaching dream. When asked about his next step in football, he said,

""My next step after football would be to become a coach, and we'll see if it works"."

- Andres Iniesta(via Mundo Deportivo)

Quizzed on returning to Barca as a coach, the veteran said,

""I would love to return to Barça, but I don't know when that will be"."

- Andres Iniesta(via Mundo Deportivo)

In his Blaugrana days, Andres Iniesta formed a superb partnership with Xavi in the middle of the park. Together, they won the treble in 2008/09 and 2014/15. Moreover, they finished second and third in the Ballon d'Or 2010 beside teammate Lionel Messi.

Iniesta on Barca's inconsistent 2023/24 season

The duo shared the pitch 486 times for FC Barcelona and Spain, winning 28 trophies. Now, Iniesta gave his take on Xavi's sacking, which took earlier in May,

""When things don't go well at Barça you suffer and if there is a former teammate and friend like Xavi then you suffer more"."

- Andres Iniesta(via Mundo Deportivo)

Reflecting on Barca's inconsistent season, Iniesta remarked,

""I hope that Barca has continuity and strength to compete for everything. Talking more is difficult because I'm not there"."

- Andres Iniesta(via Mundo Deportivo)

Barcelona starts their preseason camp on July 10, before heading to the States to face Manchester City, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. Meanwhile, the club is reducing its wage bill to improve its finances as they look to bolster their squad with new talents like Nico Williams.