Chinese club deny move for Iniesta

AFP, SHANGHAI: China's Chongqing Lifan denied making a big-money move for Andres Iniesta as Spanish media said the Barcelona captain could now be headed for Japan or Australia.

Reports in China and Spain have linked Chongqing with the 33-year-old Spanish World Cup-winner, who is leaving Barcelona after two decades of phenomenal success.

Chongqing said Iniesta wouldn't be joining "as a player" but left the door open to future cooperation with the midfielder, who has promotional and marketing links with the city. Chongqing added that they wanted to support the "healthy development of Chinese football" -- a reference to China's clampdown on heavy transfer spending and focus on homegrown talent.

 

Chinese club deny move for Iniesta

AFP, SHANGHAI: Chinas Chongqing Lifan denied making a big-money move for Andres Iniesta as Spanish media said the Barcelona captain could now be headed for Japan or Australia. Reports in China and Spain have linked Chongqing with the 33-year-old Spanish World Cup-winner, who is leaving Barcelona after two decades of phenomenal success. Chongqing said Iniesta wouldnt be joining as a player but left the door open to future cooperation with the midfielder, who has promotional and marketing links with the city. Chongqing added that they wanted to support the healthy development of Chinese football -- a reference to Chinas clampdown on heavy transfer spending and focus on homegrown talent.