Quique Setien has urged Andres Iniesta to pull out of his proposed move to China and sign for Real Betis if he leaves Barcelona.
Iniesta is widely expected to join Chinese club Chongqing Dangdai Lifan at the end of the season, but Setien expressed fresh hope that the Barca midfielder could yet stay in La Liga with Betis.
“Iniesta, please don’t go to China. Come to Betis!!” tweeted the Coach.
He added after his side’s goalless draw with Atletico Madrid: “Obviously my heart wants him to come.
“We owe him a lot, not only for the goal that made Spain world champions but also what he offers us every day on a football pitch.
“We also know that behind his football, there’s a great person. It was my way of thanking him for what he’s given us.
“It’s a shame that the time has come for him to move on, but he’ll forever be remembered. He’ll also be a reference for thousands of children.”