Andres Iniesta has welcomed the decision of Xavi Hernandez to stay at Barcelona and ripped Javier Mascherano to captain the side.
Xavi had appeared bound for the Camp Nou exit but with moves to Qatar and MLS not materialising, he’s now expected to remain with La Blaugrana.
“It doesn’t change anything because he’s who we’ve been with all these seasons,” Iniesta said, according to Sport.
“He’s with us and therefore he’s still a Barca player. It’s the best news.
“When a player is at a club for so long and is so important for so long, it’s rare and not common. It’s one of the best pieces of news of the summer for us.”
With the retirement of Carles Puyol Barca are in need of a new captain and Iniesta has been mentioned as a contender for the armband.
But he instead said that the identity of the captain is less important if all players pull their weight.
“In the end everyone has to be the leader of themselves and they have to bring their best,” Iniesta continued.
“The club has had a very healthy, very united locker room. That’s important.
“It’s nice to wear the armband but the sum of the group is what makes the team go in the same direction.
“When we’re all together each will give their opinion. Mascherano could be a great captain.”
Iniesta also welcomed the signing of Luis Suarez and warned Barca are starting from scratch under Luis Enrique.
