Bartomeu: "Andrés Iniesta has defined an era"
The Barça president called Iniesta "the most important player at the club since 2004"
Barcelona president Josep Maria gave an interview to prestigious radio show 'El Larguero' on Thursday night and the first name that came up inevitably was that of Andres Iniesta, who is expected to announce his departure on Friday.
Bartomeu did not give anything away, saying "it's him that needs to say it".
The Barça president wanted to make it very clear that he thought Iniesta "has defined an era at Barcelona, a winning era. He has always given his all to the club.
Bartomeu also said Iniesta "has been the most important player Barcelona have had since he became a first team player in 2004."
And the president added "he has been the most important player for every coach since Frank Rijkaard was at the club, be it for Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova, Gerardo Martino, Luis Enrique or Ernesto Valverde. All you have to do is watch his last game, in the Copa del Rey final. It was truly spectacular."
Bartomeu did not just praise Iniesta's footballing qualities.
"He's such a good person and all of us would like to have a son like Andres," he said.
Bartomeu would not give any details away about Iniesta's imminent move to China, however.
"The player will be the one who expresses what his future is when he feels it's the right time. We need to respect his decision and his desire to announce it in his own way."
It is expected that Iniesta will do just that on Friday.
