Andres Iniesta has agreed a new lifetime contract with FC Barcelona, a deal will allow him to play for the club as long as his physical conditions allows.
His current contract was expired until the end of this season. In recent seasons, he has not played as much as in past years, often taking leave for the most important games.
“The Spanish midfielder, who has made 639 appearance s for Barca, ranks second on the all-time games played list at the club,” Barcelona tweeted on its social media account.
“He has scored 55 goals for the first team, for which he debuted on October 29th, 2002. Since 2015 Iniesta has been the team’s first captain, and is one of the club’s most distinguished symbols.”
“The 33-year-old midfielder joined the club in September 1996, at the age 12. Iniesta and Lionel Messi share the record for the most titles in Barca history, with 30.” the Catalan giants added.
After signing his new contract, the 33-year-old midfielder told he had always been his dream to extend at the Camp Nou.
“I will be the first to say so if I feel that I no longer have the same strength and role in the team I had before. Then we can make a difference, and it will be perfect. ” Iniesta said.
“I thank the club for having the confidence to give me this type of contract. This shows that they have confidence in me as a player and that is very important. There is no better place for me. It’s my house.” he added.
Andres Iniesta has scored 55 goals for Barcelona so far. (Source:www.zimbio.com)
There was a lot of speculation surrounding of Iniesta’s future, he claiming to want to stay in Barcelona but also evaluating other possibilities.
According to Spanish media, Barca’s skipper wasn’t delighted that the team took so long before starting negotiations on his new deal.
“This is an indescribable sensation, to come here as 12-year-old and still be here at 33 and to think back on everything that has happened gives me creeps. I have so much sentiment and love for this club.” Iniesta said.
With his new contract, Iniesta certainly will retire with Barcelona. He also entered the list of footballers who only played one club throughout his career.
