Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde thinks Real Madrid’s loss of Cristiano Ronaldo is “as important” as Andres Iniesta leaving the Catalans.
Ronaldo left Madrid for Juventus after the World Cup, causing something of a shock as he ended a nine-year association with Los Blancos.
Iniesta’s own LaLiga departure was rather less of a surprise, as speculation had long suggested the Spaniard was destined for a move to Asia despite signing a new lifetime contract just last year.
Ronaldo’s impact will likely be noticed more by the average spectator given his record of scoring at least 25 league goals in each of his nine seasons in Madrid.
But Valverde believes his own loss of Iniesta – who joined J.League side Vissel Kobe – is just as significant.
“The loss of Cristiano Ronaldo in Madrid is as important as the one we have with Andres. Julen [Lopetegui, Madrid coach] will try to notice Cristiano’s absence as little as possible.”
Iniesta has been an integral part of the Barcelona team last season, scoring in the 5-0 Copa del Rey final win over Sevilla.
He has spent his entire career with Barcelona after joining as a 12-year-old and has made the second most appearances in the club’s history – behind Xavi, his midfield partner of over a decade before his 2015 move to Al Sadd in Qatar.
Iniesta was magnificent in the cup final win over Sevilla, scoring an excellent goal and running the game before coming off to a standing ovation from both sets of fans.
“I want to be remembered as a great footballer and a great player,” he said. “When our football days are over, that’s all we are – people.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who coached Iniesta at Barcelona: “He’s another part of the history of Barca, the last 15 or 20 years would not be possible without him.
“I just want to say thank you because he helped me to understand the game better. Just watching him, what he does on the football pitch despite of the amount of tackles, the way he’s a professional.
“It was a pleasure – I learned a lot just being with him.”
Chelsea and Spain forward Pedro, who played alongside Iniesta at Barcelona, tweeted: “Thanks a lot, it has been a great honour to play alongside you. Good luck in your next stage.”