Rafa Benitez may have been discussing some productive talks over his future at the club during today’s press conference, but he also paid his respect to departing Barcelona star Andres Iniesta – joking that the Spaniard’s next club could be Newcastle United.
After being with the Catalan giants since the age of 12, the Spanish maestro confirmed today that he will be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.
With four Champions League winners medals, eight La Liga titles and a World Cup with Spain under his belt, it’s fair to say Iniesta is one of THE greatest players to have played for the Catalans.
Here’s what Rafa said about the 33-year-old’s decision to leave Barca today – joking that he might want to swap Spain for St James’ Park this summer:
“Along with so many great names, he was one of Barcelona’s key players.
“He is a great player, a nice person, and I hope he does well in his career.
“Maybe he could come here?”
Funny moment when Rafa is asked about Iniesta leaving Barca: "Do we know what team he is going to?" Someone jokes "Newcastle", to which he responds with a smile: "Maybe, we will see if we can prepare something for him. Maybe he would like to come here…" #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) April 27, 2018
It’s fair to say this one won’t be happening this summer, but it’s good to see the gaffer in good form today.
As ever, it didn’t take NUFC fans long to come up with some brilliant responses to Rafa’s comments:
Sorry not sorry pic.twitter.com/K62b5B4Wzq
— Wor Flags ?? (@worflags) April 27, 2018
All jokes aide, Hats off to Iniesta too for a wonderful career with the Catalans – a magical player who will go down in the history books at Barcelona.
Could be a great if it can happen.
Ramalingam Raghavan(Quote)
Oh god – this wasn’t intended to make people think it could happen haha!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)