Andres Iniesta is likely to leave Barcelona at the end of the season after a decorated Nou Camp career. Chinese Super League side Chongqing Lifan tipped as the 33-year-old’s next destination.
Iniesta is regarded as one of the greatest modern footballer and has been a great servant for the club. He came through the club’s youth ranks and has enjoyed a stunning career, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League medals among a remarkable list of honours.
But after 16 years at the club, he is on the brink of leaving the club. Speaking after Barca’s 5-0 Copa del Rey final triumph over Sevilla, in which Iniesta scored the fourth goal, Rakitic expressed his desire to see his team-mate stick around.
Asked if he knew what Iniesta’s decision might be, the Croatia international said: “I don’t know, I hope he doesn’t [leave].
“He knows it, I think fans want him with us as much as I want that, but as I always said he has to make a choice, he has to discuss it with his family. His decision will be respected by all of us.”
Rakitic added: “I think he deserved that moment, when even Sevilla’s fans cheered him, not just for [this] match, but for everything he did in his career.
“He’s one of the greatest players in history.”
Read Also: Top 10 One Man Teams in Football History