Chongqing President Gong Daxing Hints Andres Iniesta Move Is Close

Gong Daxing, president of Chinese Super League outfit Chongqing Dangdai Lifan, has hinted that Barcelona star Andres Iniesta will soon be arriving at the club.

The 33-year-old has spent his entire career with Barca but is expected to move on to the CSL this summer.

"I'm sure that we will be able to present Andres Iniesta and his arrival will be a great asset for Chongqing and a bonus for our brand," said Daxing, per Sport.

Iniesta won his 31st trophy with the Blaugrana on Saturday as they beat Sevilla 5-0 in the Copa del Rey final, which was the Spaniard's 670th appearance for the club.

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Per BBC Sport, Iniesta was asked afterwards if he had played his last final with the club. "It's a possibility," he said. "In a few days, I'll make it public and nothing more. Today is a very special and emotional day."

He added: "I will say what the decision is this week. I think it's a little clear but we will see."

The playmaker scored his 57th goal for Barcelona in the final to cap a majestic performance, both from himself and the team.

Grup 14's Rafael Hernandez lauded the legend and his display:

When he was withdrawn from the match shortly before the final whistle, Iniesta was applauded not only by the Barcelona fans in attendance but also those of Sevilla, per the Spanish Football Podcast:

Iniesta has a penchant for shining in cup finals, having done so in the UEFA Champions League with Barca and the World Cup with Spain.

His vision and intelligence are virtually unrivalled, and having the technical ability to match allows him to pick out passes most can only dream of and dominate games at the highest level.

The veteran is now in the twilight of his career and has not been quite as consistently influential in recent years, but with Barca 11 points clear in La Liga the stage is set for him to go out on a high.

The Guardian's Sid Lowe believes that will be part of his motivation to depart this summer:

While it may lack the romance of retiring as a one-club man, the Chinese Super League represents a new challenge and most likely a hefty payday at the end of his stellar career.

The challenge for Barcelona will be to find someone to replace him. Whether that be January signing Philippe Coutinho, a youngster from their La Masia academy or a player they'll target this summer, whoever is tasked with the job will have enormous boots to fill.