OFFICIAL: Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta joins Japanese side Vissel Kobe after ending his 22-year career at Catalonia.
Iniesta announced at a news conference in April that he was calling time on his long career with Barca, where he moved to aged 12 in 1996 to join the club's academy.
He lifted a ninth La Liga title last Sunday in a fitting send off at Camp Nou, with his team-mates all giving him a guard of honour and wearing his name and number eight on the back of their shirts during the title celebrations.
In fact, Iniesta has revealed on Twitter that his next adventure would be in Japan, all but confirming his signing with Vissel Kobe, a club in which Germany international Lukas Podolski also plays for.
After signing his contract with his new club Vissel Kobe, Iniesta will join up with the Spain squad next Monday to begin preparations for the World Cup in Russia.
MORE TO READ: 'Heading to my new home' - Iniesta confirms he will play in Japan
INIESTA HIGHLIGHTS
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that_subham
161
He will dominate the play their as well... My best wishes are with him... infinite iniesta Japanese football will be privileged to have the Spanish superstar on board. Love from a barca fan 😍
Shashankk Padiyar
147
Kinda feeling wierd after seeing him in whites
Curry9
141
Iniesta - career stats at Barca: 674 official games 511 starts 459W 129D 86L 60 yellow cards 0 red cards 57 goals 117 assists 32 trophies Forever Legend!
Dior226
125
Wait a minute...does this mean Iniesta and Poldi will play for the same team?
lopacdkn
90
22 is a special number. Arsene Wenger 22, Andres Iniesta 22. Wish Iniesta a glittering sojourn in the land of the rising sun.
hoisted
66
Gracias Don Andrés!! Japan is arguably the best choice for Iniesta for its good environment and professional league. J League is like laliga a lot in terms of football style.
beatbox
42
I am living in Kobe and I really couldn't believe when I hear the Iniesta news for the first time. After getting Podolski last year as well.. it's like a dream land.