Spanish footballer Andrés Iniesta announced on Thursday that he is leaving Vissel Kobe of Japan, where he joined from FC Barcelona five years ago. I feel that I am not included in the coach’s plan and I am convinced that I am looking for a team because I feel I am ‘qualified’to continue playing at the professional level at age 39.
“I really want to keep playing and competing. I’ve been working very hard these last few months and I feel great. I feel like we have different priorities,” he said at a press conference.
Iniesta joined Vissel Kobe as a free agent from FC Barcelona in July 2018 and has been playing since. Played in 133 games in the J1 League, AFC Champions League, and Japan Cup, recording 26 goals and 25 assists.
However, this season – starting in February in Japan – He has only played 85 minutes out of 5 games (3 in J1 and 2 in cup matches).. “I think I always imagined I would retire here and that was everyone’s wish, but sometimes things are not what people think or imagine,” he admitted.
“I respect that and I assume that. Seeing my sporting situation and my desire to continue playing, it is by mutual agreement that the best way is to find a solution. I have decided,” the Fuente Villa native wrote.
In Kobe, Andres Iniesta shows disgust upon arrival, Over the past five years, he has helped the club win the 2019 Emperor’s Cup and the 2020 Super Cup. However, in 2021, there were injuries and Manchego’s weight in the team was declining.
But Iniesta has made it clear that this is “not the final goodbye”. “My relationship with the club will continue until the day I retire from another region, but I am happy to continue helping this club, which is also my home,” said the former Spain international.
But for now, I hope he keeps his boots on through the green. “I want to finish my career as a footballer playing on the football field, but that part is complicated now. I want to keep playing, I feel capable and I keep playing. I’m excited about it, but we’ll see what options we have after this stage,” he asked.
Source: Diario.Elmundo
