Pep Guardiola has talked up the impact made by Andres Iniesta during his time at Barcelona, as the midfielder prepares to make an announcement on his future.
The Spain international must decide whether to stay on at Camp Nou for another season or continue his career in the Far East.
Iniesta intends to reveal his choice by the end of the month, with strong suggestions in Spain that the World Cup winner's two decades at Barca will soon be coming to an end.
Guardiola got to know the 33-year-old well during his time playing and coaching at Camp Nou, and says that a massive hole will be left if he does indeed decide to depart.
"I don't know if it is true so I prefer to wait and see what his decision is - staying in Barcelona or leaving," he told reporters. "Of course, I wish him all the best. It was a joy for me to be his mate because we played together and then I was his manager.
"You cannot imagine what has happened with this legacy for Barcelona and Spanish football these 15 years he was there. A masterclass. A top player.
"He is one of the players who understands the game most thoroughly. It is difficult to find one better than him. He is a guy who teaches to the young kids how you have to play, how you control the ball - he is the best example you can show."
Iniesta could feature in this weekend's Copa del Rey final showdown with Sevilla at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Daniel Lewis
