Monday 21 May 2018

Iniesta names the three players who can replace him at Barcelona

The playmaker made his final appearance for the club in Sunday's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp

Andres Iniesta has named the three players he sees as his successors at Barcelona - and one of them has only played three times this season.

Club icon Iniesta played his 674th and final game for the club in Sunday night's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp , where he was given a standing ovation when he was replaced by Paco Alcacer in the 82nd minute.

It remains to be seen what the World Cup winner will do next, with suggestions that he's set for a move to China.

"This is a difficult day but I have spent 22 marvellous years here," he said after the match.

Iniesta departed in the 82nd minute

The midfielder said goodbye in a tearful ceremony

Iniesta played 674 times for the club

"It's been a pride and a pleasure to defend and represent this badge, which for me is the best in the world.

"Thanks to all my team-mates, each and every one. I will miss you all so much. And thank you to the fans, for all your love, everything you've made me feel since I arrived here as a boy. I leave as a man. I will keep you in my heart forever."

Iniesta added that he sees January signing Philippe Coutinho - who scored the winner against Sociedad from long range - Denis Suarez and youngster Carles Alena as his successors at the club.

Coutinho has shone for his new club

Denis Suarez has also been backed

Youngster Alena is tipped for big things

He told Sport : "In the team are left players like Coutinho, Denis Suárez or Alena who have a lot of quality".

Coutinho has scored 10 goals in 22 appearances since becoming the second most expensive player in the world when he joined from Liverpool in January, while Suarez has been in and out of the side since rejoining the club from Villarreal in 2016.

Twenty-year-old Alena signed his first professional deal with Barca last year and scored on his debut in the Copa Del Rey against Hercules last season.

He appeared three times in the same competition in 2017/18.

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