Julen Lopetegui delays Spain squad announcement for Barcelona's tribute to Andres Iniesta

David Cooper - Writer 12:50 16/05/2018
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  • Andres Iniesta is a colossal figure for Barcelona and the Spanish national team but the latest show of respect towards the midfielder is still staggering.

    With the 34-year-old set to leave Catalans this summer after another successful season in which he helped secure the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles, the club have prepared a tribute to their captain at the Camp Nou on Friday.

    As such, Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui has delayed his squad announcement for the World Cup 2018 so as to not steal the spotlight away from the iconic midfielder, according to Spanish daily AS.

    The squad for the tournament in Russia will instead be revealed 72 hours later than initially intended.

    Iniesta is nailed on to make the 23-man squad in what will likely be his final major tournament with the national side.

    The change of plans means Pelayo, an insurance company sponsoring the team, has had to delay the launch of their campaign by 48 hours but are on board affording the World Cup winner all the attention this week.

    A spokesperson for the company said: “For Iniesta, whatever it takes.”

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