Iniesta keen on Barca stay

Andres Iniesta has indicated he is ready to join the growing ranks of players committing their futures to reigning Spanish and European champions Barcelona.

Iniesta is one of the finest talents to emerge from the club’s cantera, or youth setup, in the past decade and Barca are keen to secure him on a longer contract as they have done with fellow academy graduates Xavi, Lionel Messi and Victor Valdes.

Having spent the past five years as an integral member of the Catalan side, Iniesta is ready to sign an improved contract and it is believed that the formalities could be completed within the next two weeks.

“I have never asked for anything from the club,” said Iniesta. “It’s the club who got into contact with me, and once we reach an agreement, it will be done, that’s what’s most important. If it comes about at the end that my deal is improved then it will be very welcomed.

“What’s most important is that the club knows what I do for them. And if they believe that I deserve this improved deal then let’s hope it’s the right one. The two parties have to come to an agreement but I don’t think there will be any type of problem.”

“I don’t know if in the next few days I will sign the improved deal, but I believe that above all it is good the club value their players and not only the people that come in from outside. I think what’s important is that a player feels valued in his team and I can tell you about me as an example.

“I recently played the Champions League final with seven players from the youth team which is very difficult to happen, and the club exists for the value they place on this work.”