Football

Real Betis boss begs Andres Iniesta to join the club instead of China

Real Betis boss begs Andres Iniesta to join the club instead of China

Andres Iniesta is expected to call time on his glorious Barcelona career at the end of the season and move to China, but this has not stopped Real Betis coach Quique Setien from trying to persuade him to join his club.

The playmaker put in a wonderful display in Barcelona’s 5-0 triumph of Betis’ arch-rivals Sevilla in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final.

Iniesta scored a brilliant fourth goal as Ernesto Valverde’s side ran riot at Wanda Metropolitano.

The move to Chongqing Dongdai Lifan of the Chinese Super League is likely to be confirmed in the next few days but Iniesta displayed his wonderful array of technical ability and passing on Saturday.

Setien paid tribute to Barca midfielder and wants him to join Betis.

“Iniesta, please don’t go to China. Come to Betis!!” tweeted the Coach.

Speaking after his side’s goalless draw with Atletico Madrid he said: “Obviously my heart wants him to come.

“We owe him a lot, not only for the goal that made Spain world champions but also what he offers us every day on a football pitch.

“We also know that behind his football, there’s a great person. It was my way of thanking him for what he’s given us.

“It’s a shame that the time has come for him to move on, but he’ll forever be remembered. He’ll also be a reference for thousands of children.”

Iniesta: Barcelona’s trophy king

The win in the Copa del Rey final was the 31st club trophy won by Iniesta over a 16-year professional career with Barcelona.

In addition, Iniesta has also won two European Championships and the 2014 World Cup with Spain – famously scoring the winning goal against the Netherlands.

Iniesta passing stats 17-18

He could make it 32 club trophies next weekend should they beat Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga and Atletico Madrid fail to overcome Alaves.

Currently, Barcelona lead La Liga by 11 points with five games remaining.

Iniesta has completed 1107 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 88%, and has one goal and one assist in 25 La Liga appearances.


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