Andres Iniesta has commented that stalled contract negotiations with Barcelona are not centred on how much he will be paid or not.
The 29-year-old is seen as having turned down La Blaugrana’s first offer to renew his deal due to the wage on offer.
However, even in the wake of President Sandro Rosell determining Barca’s intention to have Iniesta as second only in earnings to Lionel Messi, the midfielder has looked to clarify that money is not an issue.
“I will repeat what I have said many times, it is not something I am worried about,” Iniesta commented on El Larguero.
“If two people want to come to an agreement then there is no issue. I do not like negotiations because Barca for me are like my family.
“I do not care if I am second, third or fourth best paid, what I feel is the same feeling that I have with the club, that they will have with me.
“Money is there at other clubs but there are other things that are more important and through the years these things are valued more. The issue is not that I am forcing things or that I want to wait, the time will come.”
The midfielder was asked for his view on Barcelona’s perceived change in playing style this season under Tata Martino.
“Perhaps at times we may have given that impression, especially in the beginning we have played differently. It seems that if we did not win the Champions League last year then it was because we played tiki-taka, but that is not the issue as we are well, fast…
“Long passes, counter-attacks, they have occurred throughout Barca’s existence, what has not happened throughout its existence is this philosophy that is so clear.
“But the Coach is not stupid and knows what works. We have other options to try and play faster in specific moments.”
Iniesta is currently preparing with Spain for World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Georgia. Attention in the build-up has been on Michu and Alberto Moreno’s first call-ups, as well as Diego Costa’s possible involvement down the line.
“It seems that if he can be called up then the Coach thinks he can fit, and he is a player that is proving he is virtually unbeatable,” mused Iniesta on the Atletico Madrid man.
“The amount of chances that he creates in each game and the performance of the player is what has brought him to this situation.
“Michu and Moreno? Their performance is what has brought them here and they are able to enjoy their time with the national team.
“We are trying to make them feel as welcome as possible, when you are new this is always an impact.
“The mood in the camp is nice because it is normal, as it should be, with practically everyone in the team.
“This is how it must be, the national side is in a unique moment and that is what gives us motivation and we know that we have very exciting challenges ahead and that we must all be at 200 per cent.
“We have spent a lot of time together and the group is there and what gives us assurance.”
