Barca Elects Iniesta As New Captain

Barcelona's players have elected Andres Iniesta as their new captain, with Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano his deputies.

Andres Iniesta will take over as Barcelona captain following the departure of Xavi to Al-Sadd, it has been confirmed.

Iniesta had served as Xavi's deputy in recent years and has been elected as the European champions' skipper for the 2015-16 campaign by his team-mates.

IKER CASILLAS: Xavi Should Stop Condemning Me

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has told Xavi that the Barcelona midfielder should speak to him privately if he has an issue with his criticism of Sergio Busquets.

The Blancos captain said he would give Busquets "a slap" after the Catalans defensive midfielder was pictured planting his boot on Pepe's head in March's Clasico, which Barca won 4-3.

Xavi responded by saying that "Busquets never stomped on Pepe; you can see in all the images that there’s nothing to it" and criticised Madrid's Spain contingent for being "very unfair" to their international team-mate.

WAR!!! Casillas Promises To Slap Busquets

Iker Casillas has promised to give Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets "a slap" after he appeared to stamp on Real Madrid defender Pepe.

The Spain international clashed with the Portguese during the Blaugrana's 4-3 Clasico win at the Bernabeu last month, but was quick to deny any wrongdoing.

Pepe responded by calling the 25-year-old a "liar" and Casillas has backed his team-mate, slamming his Spain colleague's conduct.