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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Iniesta contemplating retirement</li><li>Wants to return to Barcelona</li><li>Expressed his opinion on Xavi's dismissal</li></ul>

Andres Iniesta declares desire to return to Barcelona as 40-year-old midfielder nears retirement

LaLiga

Celta Vigo

Barcelona

As Iniesta approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, the 40-year-old midfielder has expressed <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/spain-barcelona-icon-andres-iniesta-1000th-senior-career-appearance-emirates-fc-clash/blt4dd1d16f9576eb13#cs520f3b16cf12c035" target="_blank">a heartfelt desire to return to his boyhood club </a>where he left as a legend in 2018. Since then he has played in Japan for Vissel Kobe and last summer he arrived in the United Arab Emirates to play for Emirates Club.

WHAT HAPPENED?

However, the 2010 World Cup winner has not <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-legend-andres-iniesta-admits-isn-t-enjoying-spell-with-uae-pro-league-side-emirates/blt2046827f907ec752#csca6023dedaa1313d" target="_blank">been enjoying his stint in the Middle East </a>and his first season in the UAE Pro League ended in disappointment as he saw Emirates being relegated to Division 1 after finishing in 13th place. And at a recent promotional event in Madrid, Iniesta made his aspirations clear as he insisted that he would like to return to Barcelona in some capacity in the near future.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

"I would like to go back to Barca at some point," he admitted. "But obviously, I still don't know when or how; it's something nobody knows. We'll see how it all goes."At the same time, Iniesta emphasised his commitment to playing until he felt it was the right time to retire. "I want to continue playing until I feel that the moment has come to stop," he stated.

WHAT INIESTA SAID

Iniesta believes that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/xavi-barcelona-sacked-coach-warns-club-must-give-full-compensation-staff-after-shock-decision/blt3b6c867e397952bb" target="_blank">Xavi should have been given more time </a>by the Barcelona board. The former manager endured a tough time at Camp Nou and was unceremoniously replaced by Hansi Flick after he failed to guide the club to a single trophy in 2023-24."I would have loved him to continue for what he represents for me," Iniesta said."I hope that with him (Flick), Barca will be able to fight again for all possible titles and that there will be stability for a long time."

DID YOU KNOW?

During his time at Barcelona, Iniesta won numerous titles, including nine La Liga championships and four UEFA Champions League trophies. His dream of returning highlights his enduring connection to the club that shaped his career. As he nears retirement, his thoughts naturally turn to the future and the possibility of rejoining Barcelona in a new capacity - which in turn might prove to be a boon for the Blaugrans who aim to re-establish themselves as a potent force in Spain and Europe.

WHAT NEXT?

Andres Iniesta declares desire to return to Barcelona as 40-year-old midfielder nears retirement | Goal.com

Andres Iniesta desires to trace his way back to Barcelona as the 40-year-old midfielder nears retirement.