Andres Iniesta agrees to deal with Vissel Kobe

[lucas123]

Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has agreed to join J. League first-division side Vissel Kobe, league sources confirmed Wednesday.

The 34-year-old Iniesta won four Champions League titles and multiple Spanish League crowns during his time with Barcelona. Iniesta was also a key part of Spain’s first World Cup title in 2010.

Vissel are owned by Japanese internet powerhouse Rakuten, which is currently a shirt sponsor of Barcelona. In April, Iniesta announced he would be leaving Barcelona this summer after he completes his 22nd year with the club.

Last year, Vissel acquired Lukas Podolski, although the former Germany international is out until the end of June due to a calf muscle injury. The club is currently sixth in the J. League.

Japan’s national broadcaster NHK, first reported the two sides had come to an agreement.

Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta is on the verge of signing for Japanese top-flight side Vissel Kobe, after indicating via social media that his next club will be in the Far East.

Iniesta posted a picture on Twitter of him with Hiroshi Mikitani, owner of Kobe and also the chief executive of Barcelona's main sponsor Rakuten.

Iniesta wrote: 'Heading to my new home, with my friend', along with a Japanese flag emoji, as he and Mikitani sat on a plane.

 

[OziMan]

Good post mate !

 

[foot2018]

"Since 2015 Iniesta has been the team's first captain, and is one of the Club's most distinguished symbols. The 33-year-old midfielder joined the Club in September 1996, at the age of 12. Iniesta and Leo Messi share the record for the Most titles in Barça history, with 32."

Iniesta, 34 years old and with 32 titles won at Barça, besides being world champion and twice from Europe with Spain, will be from now on the reference player of Vissel Kobe and one of the top attractions of the J -League.

From Qatar and to Australia, through China, the United States and England, Iniesta had a choice, although in the possibility of continuing in Europe, he discarded it in first person from the very beginning.