This Thursday, Andrés Iniesta confirmed that he is leaving Vissel Kobe from Japan. The announcement was made at a press conference alongside the club’s owner, Hiroshi Mikitani. Thrilled, the 39-year-old midfielder also ruled out a possible retirement.
“I would like to end my career playing on a football field and that is now the most complicated part. I feel capable and willing to continue. After finishing this stage, we will see what options can arise”, he said.
Afterwards, the Spaniard stated that he wanted to end his career in the team, but stressed that he is not among the “priorities” of coach Atsuhiro Miura.
“I think we always thought that for me to retire here, that was everyone’s wish,” he said. “The coach’s priorities are different,” he added.
After ending a victorious cycle at Barcelona, Iniesta landed in Japanese football in 2018. For Vissel Kobe, the midfielder played 133 games, with 26 goals and 25 assists. During his time at the club, the Spaniard lifted the Japan Super Cup and the Japan Cup. In the 2022/23 season, he lost space, entering the field for five opportunities and scoring just once.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
