Football
Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent 8y

Andres Iniesta not using press to negotiate new Barcelona contract

Andres Iniesta has hit out at suggestions he was angling for a new Barcelona contract by sending a message through the media about contract talks.

Iniesta, 32, was speaking at an event to mark the release of his autobiography, "The Artist", and was asked about his remarks on Thursday.

"I don't have to clarify anything," he said. "There are some titles [in the press] with bad intentions, more so than other titles. I'm not someone who hides from anything or who sends messages to the club through the press.

"The controversy will only last today. The president knows what I think and all these matters are treated with a lot of discretion. There's nothing more to add."

The midfielder's current contract expires in 2018 and he explained that he wants to commit his future to the club, a statement which some media sources took as him trying to force Barcelona's hand on the matter.

Few expect Iniesta to leave, but for the midfielder to speak publicly on the matter of his contract was a surprise, as he usually keeps a low profile.

"I want to finish my career at Barcelona as I'm enjoying every moment," the midfielder told radio station Cope. "On a personal level I'm very happy and believe I'm playing well, so whatever will come will come.

"We will need to discuss with the board about any new contract, but for now I am not concerning myself with that."

"I think [Manchester City manager, Pep] Guardiola already knows what I think and what I want, my wish is to finish my career in Barcelona.

"I would pick up the phone [to Guardiola] because he was my coach and is my friend, I learnt a lot under him but now Luis Enrique is the best manager for me because he is our coach.

Iniesta's comments come at a time when the board are making moves to tie down key players, with Sergio Busquets the most recent to put pen to paper, signing a new five-year deal on Thursday.

Brazilian star Neymar was given a five-year extension of his own during the summer, with the long saga over his future finally settled.

Meanwhile, president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club are readying new offers for Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Lionel Messi.

Given Suarez and Rakitic's deals end in 2019, and Messi's in 2018, it is understandable that Iniesta is also thinking about extending his own stay at the Camp Nou.

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