Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta is expected to take his first coaching job in the coming days.
The 42-year-old retired from football two years ago and during this time has been obtaining his coaching licenses.
Iniesta was not initially considered someone who would enter the world of coaching, unlike his former teammate Xavi Hernandez, for whom this had long been expected.
He had previously hinted that he could become sporting director. The pair were recently rumoured to be taking over the Moroccan national team in these roles, but the deal ultimately fell through.
However, it appears that Iniesta will return to the Arabian Peninsula, as journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that he will take charge of second division side in the United Arab Emirates, Gulf United.
According to Romano, the agreement has already been reached and the signing of the contract will come soon.
Iniesta's new team was founded just seven years ago and is located in Dubai, the economic capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The club was founded by football coaches from Manchester and has placed a special focus on youth development.
However, there also appears to be considerable financial support, as several players from European football have arrived in recent years, including Swede Robin Quaison and Dutchman Leroy Fer.
When asked a few months after retirement what kind of coach he wanted to be, Iniesta said the most important thing for him was the message.
"Above all, the knowledge of what you want to do and broadcast. You have to know what a dressing room is and many other aspects. And above all, surrounding yourself with powerful people who you feel can help you."
Iniesta is following a similar path to coaching as Xavi, albeit at a lower level, when he first took charge of Al Sadd in Qatar. Iniesta ended his career at the Emirates Club.
Without a doubt, he will be linked with a return to Barcelona if things go well in the United Arab Emirates./Express newspaper/
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