Former Barcelona chief Robert Fernandez admits he signed Philippe Coutinho with the aim of him replacing Andres Iniesta.

Coutinho arrived from Liverpool in January ahead of Iniesta departing for Vissel Kobe over the summer.

Robert told Mundo Deportivo: "I always thought that Coutinho was the perfect substitute for Iniesta.

"We had to think of looking for a player ready to take his place.

"Andrés has marked the era of world football."