Iniesta: Coutinho won’t finish me

Andres Iniesta insists Philippe Coutinho will not “make me retire or kick me out” of Barcelona but believes the club have signed “one of the best”.

Coutinho has been viewed as Iniesta's long-term successor at Barca after his €160m arrival from Liverpool, but the veteran assured his future was not dependent on the Brazilian.

“I'm a player for this club and I've always said that only the best can play for this club,” he told Onda Cero.

“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.

“That side, 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 happy that he's one of the best players in his position. He has the things that we like.

“He's a quick and skilful 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.”

Tags Andres Iniesta Liverpool Philippe Coutinho
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