Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta on Thursday signed a two-year deal with Japanese side Vissel Kobe, ending his 22-year stay at the Nou Camp.
There had been speculations that the Spaniard will move to the Orient nation since announcing that he will be leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
Speaking in his first press conference, after sealing the deal, Iniesta said, “It’s a very important day for me, a challenge in my career.
“I trust in this project, Japan is a wonderful country, and I come to play and work with my teammates.
“I received several offers from other clubs, but I decided on Vissel Kobe because the project they presented to me was very interesting. They showed confidence in me and I have a lot of respect for Japanese football.
“Mikitani, for his part, believes in the values and experience that Iniesta can bring.”His values and ability to influence globally will be an inspiration for the club, for the whole league and Japanese society.
“The methodology of La Masia and Iniesta himself will be applied to the academy of young footballers here, and we will collaborate in this regard with FC Barcelona.”
