Andres Iniesta warns £145m Philippe Coutinho will not ‘kick him out’ of Barcelona
New signing from Liverpool has been heralded as the long-term successor to Iniesta at the Nou Camp
ANDRES INIESTA says he will not forced into retirement by Philippe Coutinho's arrival at Barcelona.
The £145million signing has been heralded as the long-term successor to Iniesta at the Nou Camp.
But, having signed a 'lifetime deal' at Barca earlier this year, Iniesta insists that Coutinho is merely adding to the pool of talent at the Catalan club.
Iniesta said: “There will never be a player that can make me retire or kick me out of here.
“At 33 years of age, that isn't the issue. Coutinho has come here to improve us.
"I'm a player for this club and I've always said that only the best can play for this club.
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“That makes Coutinho one of the best. He's young and he has an innate talent, while Barcelona are a club where he can keep growing.
“I'm happy that he's one of the best players in his position. He has the things that we like."
Iniesta is yet to get a up-close look at Coutinho after the Samba ace trained the first time on Friday - but alone.
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However, Iniesta knows the quality Barca have added to their squad.
He explained: “He's a quick and skillful player, who links up very well, uses both feet very well, creates goals and scores them.
“He'll find a very good environment to grow here. The money we paid for him is another thing.
“The price of the market decides what a player is worth. Beyond the madness, we must be happy that he's ours.”
