Doubts over Iniesta’s future

BARCELONA: Andres Iniesta may have signed a lifetime contract at Barcelona but that has done little to quell the speculation over his future.

The 33-year-old agreed a deal for ‘life’ at the Nou Camp in October, effectively keeping him with the club for the remainder of his career.

However, reports in Spain have continued to suggest that that may not be the case and Iniesta could still leave in much the same fashion that former midfield partner Xavi did.

Barca take on fierce rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu today and the Spaniard admits he does not know if the El Clasico could be his last at the famous ground.

“I would not know now if it will be (his last) or not, but I hope it is not,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“People who can talk always talk but when one is focused in a place, my mind and my head do not look the other way.

“As I said a few months ago when I renewed, the time to say things will come.

“It is not something that you are thinking or feeling. I know I will have to make a decision but it will be when it has to be.”

Iniesta, who has spent his entire playing career at the Catalan club, remains a key member of Ernesto Valverde’s squad, contributing a goal and an assist in 18 appearances this season.

He has won eight league titles and four Champions Leagues since being promoted to the first team in 2002.