Andrés Iniesta says goodbye to Vissel Kobe! He won’t leave football…
Andrés Iniesta, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, four Champions League titles with Barcelona and nine La Liga titles, has decided to leave Japanese club Vissel Kobe.
Iniesta said he will leave the club in July in the middle of the J League season and plans to continue playing football, as he tearfully announced at a news conference on Thursday. However, he did not reveal where he would continue.
When asked where he will continue his career, the 39-year-old replied: “Honestly, I don’t know,” and made the following statements:
“I want to continue playing football. I still think I can play. But when this chapter is over, we’ll see what’s possible. I want to end my career playing on the pitch and that’s what I hope for.”
His teammates also took part in the press conference held by Andrés Iniesta. Photo: @visselkobe
“I RESPECT YOUR DECISION”
His short time in the Japanese team caused Iniesta to leave the club. Because this season he played only three times in the league and twice in the cup.
“Coach (Takayuki Yoshida) has different priorities and I respectfully accept that. A very emotional day after many years. I tried to give my best on and off the field. I’m very proud of that.”
IN JAPAN FOR 5 YEARS
The former Barcelona midfielder, who turned 39 earlier this month, joined Kobe in 2018 after a glamorous career with the Catalan club winning 30 trophies. Iniesta signed a three-year contract with the Japanese club and later extended his contract with a two-year extension. According to reports, the reason for him leaving is to want more playing time.
Photo: @visselkobe
The experienced midfielder stated that going to Japan was one of the best decisions of his life. He repeatedly said ‘thank you’ to the club, to the fans and to his teammates.
INIESTA CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH KOBE
Iniesta will leave Kobe after the Consadole Sapporo match at Noevir Stadium on July 1. He has made 133 appearances for Kobe so far, winning the 2019 Imperial Cup and the 2020 Japan Super Cup.