Iniesta’s exit means he will be ending a 22-year association with the club. Speaking at the press conference he said: “This is my last season here (On Apr 27, 2018).


“I know what the demands are and what it means to play here year after year. I know what it means to be captain of this club. So, being honest with me and the club, I understand that my stage is over.”

Barcelona confirm 'lifetime' contract for star midfielder Andres Iniesta

"The Spanish midfielder, who has made 639 appearances for Barça, ranks second on the all-time games played list at the Club. He has scored 55 goals for the first team, for which he debuted on October 29th, 2002.


"Since 2015 Iniesta has been the team's first captain, and is one of the Club's most distinguished symbols. The 33-year-old midfielder joined the Club in September 1996, at the age of 12. Iniesta and Leo Messi share the record for the most titles in Barça history, with 32."


Iniesta decided to leave Barcelona after 22 seasons with the club, winning an extraordinary nine La Liga titles and lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy four times. two European Championships, He also won the 2010 World Cup with Spain in 2010.

Previous reports had suggested that Iniesta was close to agreeing a deal worth £71million over three years with Chongqing.
The 33-year-old has rejected Chinese side Chongqing Lifan and is understood to prefer a move Down Under for the lifestyle and an up-and-coming league, says Spanish newspaper Sport.

Former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta is keen for a move to Australia's A-League, according to a report from Spain.

Cadena Ser report that Japanese side Vissel Kobe will offer Iniesta £22m-a-year.

The Spanish outlet report Iniesta is considering a move to the J-League side, where ex-Arsenal and Bayern Munich forward Lukasz Podolski is currently playing.

The CEO of Barcelona sponsor Rakuten has ties to Wissel is said to have played a major role in negotiations between the two parties.

I deeply appreciate your making multiple posts about my all time favorite footballer but perhaps we can all discuss on the same thread that is dedicated to him :-

http://www.goallegacy.net/t17349p275-the-illusionist-don-andres-iniesta#1850723

Australia does seem a very fine option to me. For lifestyle it is great. They have an intense passion for sports and an instinctive competitive spirit and mental toughness. At this age its great for a legendary footballer to be among those who would feel blessed in his presence and learn such a lot from him. Japan is also a nice option. Personally I would have loved to see him team up with Xavi at Qatar or David Villa in the MLS but in such circumstances decisions have to be taken considering multiple factors in mind, a few of which are not from a sporting perspective.

Iniesta, signs a contract for three seasons with the Japanese club linked to Rakuten, sponsor of Barcelona.
Iniesta has shown the shirt he will wear in this new stage, with the number 8, the same he had in his time as a Barça player.

frbenzema2014 wrote:Iniesta, signs a contract for three seasons with the Japanese club linked to Rakuten, sponsor of Barcelona.
Iniesta has shown the shirt he will wear in this new stage, with the number 8, the same he had in his time as a Barça player.

The name of that club is Vissel Kobe. Its captain is Lukas Podolski.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/05/26/soccer/j-league/vissel-fans-welcome-andres-iniesta-kobe/

How are Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres doing in Japan?
Jay Bothroyd, Lukas Podolski and Jo also in J-League

Please refer to the link below for Iniesta talk:

http://www.goallegacy.net/t17349-the-illusionist-don-andres-iniesta

GL's unofficial moderator

I think Podolski, Iniesta and David Villa are all on the same team