Andres Iniesta reveals he is yet to sign a new contract as he hints at Barcelona exit: 'Three years ago I never imagined leaving... now I think about the future'

 

Andres Iniesta has revealed he is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract at Barcelona and hinted his thought process on staying at the Nou Camp has shifted in recent years.

The midfield stalwart, whose contract expires next summer, is a product of the famed La Masia academy in Catalonia, joining at just 12 years of age on the brink of one of the club's most successful periods.

And it is, perhaps, not a coincidence that Barca embarked on a period of such prolific success after Iniesta's arrival.

But whereas once there was a time where a Barcelona without the maestro in the heart of midfield seemed unthinkable, the 33-year-old has hinted that his steadfast desire to stay at the club has waned in the last three years.

'Was there really a possibility of leaving Barca? As a matter of fact, I still haven't signed a new contract,' the captain told El Pais.

'I've felt many things that I hadn't before, but I think they're normal. It's a scenario that three years ago, I certainly could never have imagined. 'Let's just say that now I think about the future, when I didn't before.'

The Spain international has racked up a staggering amount of honours at the Nou Camp, including eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and five Copa del Rey trophies since making his senior debut in 2002.

The midfielder will welcome Real Betis to the Nou Camp on Sunday evening as they look for a positive start to kick-off their La Liga campaign.