Arthur: I woud love to play with Iniesta at Barca

Gremio midfielder Arthur, whom Barcelona have a deal to buy, has hailed Andres Iniesta. Many say he could be a future Iniesta for Barca, with the current captain thinking about leavng for China.

In an interview with O Globo, Arthur confessed that Iniesta was his idol and he would love to team up with him.

"My wish is that he stayed permanently at Barcelona, because a player of Iniesta's quality is not found just anywhere. I would love to play with him. I think the fans and the board at Barca think the same way too."

Asked if he can one day be Iniesta's successor, Arthur said: "I don't like them putting me in that position, Iniesta is an idol but he has his characteristics and I have mine. He is Iniesta, he's a football god. I am only just beginning. I have to play my best football. If things go well, if I adapt to the team and the city... I want to have an incredible career. He's someone that I admire. If I get close to him, it will be very gratifying."

SPANISH

Arthur says he has started to study Spanish. "When Gremio made my signing official, I spoke with my family and saw that I should study Spanish. One has to think about the future, prepare, understand what the coach says, the jokes in the dressing room. If you want to fit in you have to start to learn Spanish."