There is some good news for Barcelona fans, after club captain Andres Iniesta confirmed that he has started negotiations with the Catalan side over a new contract.
The World Cup winning goalscorer's current deal is set to expire in 2018, but both club and player are keen to lengthen the playmaker's time at the Camp Nou, according to reports fromDiario Sport.
Cover: "Iniesta 2020" (Barca will renew him until he turns 36 and club wants him to stay with its board afterwards) #fcblive [md] pic.twitter.com/aGDEN3G0sx
The 32-year-old said, "I would be delighted if there was no need to talk about this matter tomorrow.We've spoke, but I still have a year-and-a-half on my contract. For everything to be calm, the most logical thing would be for it to be done as soon as possible.
"I've never had problems and things between me and the club have always been clear. We approach these matters in a discrete way, but with how things are going on the pitch, I'm optimistic for the future.
Último entreno del año! Força Barça!! pic.twitter.com/MdBt87aKb1
"I've said it a million times, but the club are in control, not me. I am not the club's president.I understand that if my performance and situation is optimal, there won't be any problems, but it is not something which I can decide on my own.I understand the club have the same thoughts and I hope the next news is that the matter has been closed."
Iniesta first made his debut for Barcelona in 2002 and has been a permanent fixturepretty much ever since. Alongside Xavi in theheart of the Balaugrana midfield, he developed into one of the finest players in the world and was pipped only by teammate Lionel Messi for the Ballon d'Or.