Skip to content

Iniesta refuses to rule out Barcelona exit

Reuters / Christian Hartmann

Andres Iniesta has declined to rule out a Barcelona exit when his contract at the club expires next summer.

"My intention is, at least, to finish the contract that I have and that's what I want to do," Iniesta told RAC1, courtesy of ESPN FC.

"Beyond that, there are always possibilities. It's a question of assessing everything. I am not saying if I am going to renew or not."

Iniesta's refusal to act quickly on a possible extension heading into the final season of his current contract has linked the 33-year-old with a slew of destinations, with six-time consecutive Serie A champ Juventus the latest reportedly in for the Spanish World Cup winner.

His latest quotes - paired with remarks from March when Iniesta said he wouldn't stay at the Camp Nou just for the sake of it - have aroused talk of a move on the heels of a comparatively underwhelming campaign. Iniesta made just 13 starts in La Liga courtesy of recurring knee and adductor issues, and as Barca looks to refresh its ageing squad, the midfield maestro conceded he'll consider this past season when making a decision on his future.

"I've reached this situation conditioned by how the season has gone, how things have moved and I have learned to assess things," Iniesta said.

"I already said a few weeks ago that the moment I have to leave (Barca), it will not end in confrontation between Iniesta and the club. We will always look for what is best for everyone."

Perpetually classy, the Andres Iniesta way.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox