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Andres Iniesta is one of the best midfielders of all time and a main part of Barcelona’s golden generation who left the club in 2018 to join the Japanese side, Vissel Kobe. The Spaniard has recently announced that he will leave Vissel Kobe this summer and will look for a new challenge.
The 39-year-old will play his final match for the side on July 1, midway through the J-League season. The midfielder joined Kobe on a three-year deal which was extended by two years until January 2024. However, his lack of playing time with Kobe might have pushed Iniesta to make this call. He has made only three substitute appearances in the J-League this season.
"We regret to announce the departure of Andres Iniesta from our club," Kobe said in a statement. Iniesta, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and four Champions League titles and nine La Liga championships with Barcelona, was in tears at the press conference following the announcement.
When asked about his next club he mentioned that he will continue playing as he said, "I want to keep playing football. I feel like I am capable of still playing. But as this chapter closes, we'll see what's possible. I want to finish my career on the pitch playing, and this is what I'm hoping to do. I have to tell you the truth, I don't know." He added, "It's a very emotional day after so many years. I tried to give my best on and off the pitch. I am very proud of that."
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He has made 133 appearances for Kobe so far, winning the 2019 Emperor’s Cup and the Japanese Super Cup in 2020. Iniesta has multiple options to continue playing football. According to ESPN, he has interest from Major League Soccer, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Dubai and is open to considering offers.