Barcelona elect Iniesta as captain

Barcelona, August 4

The Spanish football giants Barcelona have announced midfielder Andres Iniesta as their new captain for the upcoming season.

Argentine forward Lionel Messi will be the second and Sergio Busquets the third skipper of the Catalan side, reports goal.com on Tuesday.

The appointments were made following a secret ballot amongst the playing staff, who voted for Iniesta to head them this season.

However, the results still needs approval of head coach Luis Enrique and his coaching staff.

Spanish defender Gerard Pique was the fourth captain last season but now he has been replaced by Argentine international Javier Mascherano.

Iniesta is now the longest-serving player at Camp Nou, having made his debut in  October 2002. — IANS