DUBAI (AP) 鈥� Former Spain and Barcelona star Andres Iniesta has signed with United Arab Emirates second-tier club Gulf United for his first coaching job.
Iniesta played his final season as a player with Emirates Club FC until .
He has a coaching license that allows him to be with Gulf United in the second tier but remains in the process of obtaining the Pro Coaching Licence, according to a statement by the club on Monday.
鈥淕ulf United FC feels like the perfect place to begin this new chapter,” Iniesta said. “Football has given me everything, and now I want to give something back through coaching, through learning and through daily work with young players who have the hunger and the talent to go far.鈥�
Gulf United is known for its academy and for developing young players.
鈥淚 believe in developing footballers the right way: with patience, with a clear idea of how the game should be played and with genuine care for each individual. Gulf United shares that philosophy, and that is why I am here,” Iniesta said. 鈥淚 want to grow as a coach, gain real experience and earn my Pro Licence.鈥�
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