Thursday 22 September 2016 21:23, UK
Andres Iniesta says Pep Guardiola cannot persuade him to quit Barcelona, but insists his future is out of his hands.
The Spain international has spent his entire career with the Catalan giants, winning four Champions League trophies and eight La Liga titles, and has stated his intention to finish his career at the club.
However, despite midfield team-mate Sergio Busquets signing a new five-year deal at the Nou Camp on Thursday, 32-year-old Iniesta is yet to be offered an extension beyond his current contract, which expires in 2018.
Iniesta played under Guardiola for four years at Barcelona and was a key member of his treble-winning side in 2009, but the Manchester City boss would not be able to tempt him into a move to the Etihad Stadium, unless he cannot fulfil his plans to stay at the La Liga champions.
"Guardiola knows what I think, what I want, and my desire is ending my career here, like I've said many times," Iniesta told Spanish radio station COPE.
"I'm very clear about what I say and what I think, everybody knows it.
"I would love to end my career at Barcelona. I have a contract until 2018. We will have to ask the directors whether they want to extend my contract.
"But I can only repeat that I want to retire at Barcelona."
Iniesta has already stated his confidence that Guardiola can succeed in the Premier League with City, who will face Barcelona in their Champions League group game on October 19.
Barcelona were held by Atletico Madrid at home on Wednesday night but comfortably dispatched Celtic 7-0 in their opening European fixture.
