Andres Iniesta has reportedly made the decision to sign for UAE side Ras Al-Khaimah despite rumored interest from Inter Miami.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the former FC Barcelona captain has made the decision to move to the Middle East, with Iniesta set to snub a reunion with the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami.
Iniesta was heavily linked with a move to the MLS franchise last month after Inter Miami signed the aforementioned Messi and Busquets, with Jordi Alba joining later as a free-agent.
Given how much Inter Miami have stretched their salary cap this summer, a move for Iniesta might have been unrealistic, with the 39-year-old midfielder now set to sign for Ras Al-Khaimah.
Having spent the last five years in Japan, Iniesta’s move to the UAE is an interesting one, with MLS supporters no doubt questioning why the Spanish legend didn’t opt to move to Florida to reunite with Messi.
Inter Miami could have tried harder to sign Iniesta this summer
Having already pulled off the impossible in bringing Messi to MLS alongside Busquets and Alba, there was a chance that Iniesta could have been the next Barcelona legend Jorge Mas and Tata Martino could have been recruited.
Despite his age, Iniesta’s profile and reputation would have made the veteran another superstar addition to MLS, with a reunion with Messi and former midfield partner Busquets something that would have pleased a lot of fans.
However, the decision has now been made by Iniesta, who will spend what is likely to be the final years of his career in the UAE with Ras Al-Khaimah.