Iniesta says he’s leaving Japanese club Vissel Kobe but wants to keep playing
FILE - Former Spain player Andres Iniesta talks to reporters as the team works out during his Spain's official training session at Qatar University, in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 30, 2022. Iniesta is scheduled to hold a press conference on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Julio Cortez]
KOBE, Japan (AP) — Andres Iniesta, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and four Champions League titles and nine La Liga championships with Barcelona, is leaving Japanese club Vissel Kobe. Iniesta brushed back tears as he announced he was leaving and indicated he planned to keep playing. The 39-year-old midfielder said he didn’t know where that would be. After finishing his long tenure at Barcelona, Iniesta joined the Japanese club in 2018 on a three-year deal. He prolonged his stay with a two-year extension. News reports indicate he wants more playing time.
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Andres Iniesta speaks at a press conference at a hotel in Kobe, western Japan Thursday, May 25, 2023. Iniesta, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, and four Champions League titles and nine La Liga championships with Barcelona, is leaving Japanese club Vissel Kobe, he said Thursday. (Kyodo News via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS