The legend of Barcelona and Spain Andres Iniesta he talked about being able to move into coaching or even training to become a sports director once he hangs up his boots, and his first chance to do so isn't far away.
The 40-year-old midfielder signed for Emirates FC after leaving Vissel Kobe in Japan last summer, and has moved to the United Arab Emirates to continue his career. We were joined by ex Barcelona teammate Paco Alcacer.
However, things have not gone to plan since then. Emirates FC is currently 13th out of 14 in the Emirates league. With nine games, Iniesta's team is eight points clear. Iniesta's contract expires at the end of the season, but he has an option to unilaterally extend his deal for an extra year.
EFC president Youssef Al-Batran called him the biggest signing in UAE history during an interview with Al-Qahera. AS Diary he delivered his words as Al-Batran revealed he would offer Iniesta a coaching position if he was relegated.
“If the team obtains the stay, we will open renewal negotiations with him because he is still in a very good technical and physical condition. He can stay with us for two or three seasons, but if we are relegated, I will not accept a player of his value in the second level. I will offer him the job to train the team.”
It should be noted that Iniesta has not revealed the desire to retire, and previously noted that he wants to continue playing as long as he can before hanging up his boots. From the sounds of it, Iniesta will be able to set his own terms, and could become a player-coach.
