“Eventually” back to Barcelona
After five years with Vissel Kobe it’s over. Captain Andrés Iniesta is leaving the J1 League club “by mutual consent” on July 1, the 39-year-old tearfully announced at a press conference. A career end ruled out the former Barcelona icon and the 2010 world champion. “We had always imagined that I would retire here, that was everyone’s wish. But sometimes things don’t go the way you want them to and we part ways,” explained the midfield strategist (quoted via “mark“).
Iniesta moved to Japan from Barça on a free transfer in 2018. The Spaniard played 133 games for Kobe, in which he was directly involved in 51 goals. In 2019 he was Japanese Cup winner and a year later Super Cup champion. The reason for his early departure, the contract originally ran until January 2024, was the veteran named too little playing time. So far this season he has made three appearances in the league and two in the cup.
Busquets chasing Xavi: The record players of FC Barcelona
Iniesta, the second most valuable footballer of his year with a market value of 1.2 million euros, could imagine a return to Barcelona. “As I’ve said many times, I would like to return to Barcelona at some point in my life, but I think that’s a long way off,” said the midfielder, who has made 674 caps for the Catalans in his career fourth place among the record players.
– イニエスタ選手退団のお知らせ –
アンドレス イニエスタ選手が7/1(土)Ｊ1第19節vs.札幌の試合を最後に退団することが決定いたしましたのでお知らせいたします。
We regret to announce the departure of @andresiniesta8 from our club.https://t.co/2OyxtVK0ya#visselkobe #ヴィッセル神戸 pic.twitter.com/cDf0X5Lvt6
— ヴィッセル神戸 (@visselkobe) May 25, 2023
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