Why did Iniesta choose Japan?

"One of the conditions I wanted before going to Japan was not to have to play against Barcelona. Playing in another European team would not make sense. "I left because I understood that I had given everything to Barcelona. I wanted to see football differently."

When did Iniesta go to Japan?

Barcelona great Andres Iniesta says he is finding it tough to watch events unfold in Spain from his new home in Japan. Iniesta, who joined Vissel Kobe in 2018 after a trophy laden career at Barca, said while football was secondary during the health crisis, it was frustrating not to be able to play.

Can Iniesta speak Japanese?

Iniesta has been living with his family in Kobe, trying to lead "a normal life" and now, after almost nine months in the country, speaks a basic level of Japanese.

How popular is Iniesta in Japan?

Iniesta has enjoyed huge popularity in Japan, with analysts estimating he has generated more than $100 million in ticket sales and merchandising revenue. He has appeared in TV commercials for Japanese sake and mobile phone services.

Why did Iniesta leave Barcelona?

Why did Iniesta leave Barca? After 22 years with one club, Iniesta probably wanted a change of environment and a new lease of life given he's played his entire career at Barca. Indeed Ini was playing really well for Barca in his last season (2017/18). In fact, he featured in 44 games in all competitions scoring twice.

What is Iniesta nickname?

His willingness to play anywhere on the pitch has earned him the sobriquet El Ilusionista (The Illusionist), El Cerebro (The Brain), El Anti-Galáctico (a pun on Real Madrid players' nickname Los Galácticos), El Caballero Pálido (The Pale Knight) and most recently Don Andrés from the Spanish press.

What has Iniesta won in Japan?

But Iniesta has found success hard to come by in Japan, with an Emperor's Cup win in 2019 the only trophy he has managed to add to his massive collection.

Does Iniesta play in Japan?

Former Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta has penned a new two-year contract at Japanese club Vissel Kobe. The veteran midfielder celebrates his 37^th birthday on Tuesday and marked the news by agreeing a new contract at the J-League club, meaning he will be at the club until he is aged 39.

Is Iniesta in Japan?

After 16 illustrious seasons at the Camp Nou, Iniesta moved to Japan in 2018.

Why does Iniesta play for Vissel Kobe?

Speaking at an online press conference alongside Hiroshi Mikitani, chairman and CEO of club owner Rakuten Inc., Iniesta said he wanted to keep working toward the goal of making Vissel the No. 1 side in Asia. "I'm still very motivated to continue this project," Iniesta said.

Who was better between Xavi and Iniesta?

To start, if we compare his passing stats with those of Xavi, Iniesta's average of 67.5 per game is inferior, but his completion rate of 90.6 percent is up there in the same ballpark. Three goals and seven assists this season is more decisive than Xavi's three goals and two assists, via WhoScored.

Did Iniesta win Ballon d Or?

France Football Apologises to Andres Iniesta for Not Awarding Him Ballon d'Or. The editor of French magazine France Football has apologised to Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta for not awarding him the Ballon d'Or in his career.

How good was Iniesta?

After all, he was arguably Spain's best player in the World Cup, even scoring the winning goal in the final, not to mention his fabulous performance in the Euro 2008. If a great international career is a requirement to be the best, Iniesta's is as good as they get.

What was written on Iniesta shirt?

Despite everything being played for in that moment, Iniesta still had the foresight to wear a shirt in memory of former teammate Dani Jarque, who died of a heart attack at the age of 26. The shirt read “DANI JARQUE: SIEMPRE CON NOSOTROS” which translates to “Dani Jarque: always with us.”

Is Iniesta a catalan?

Iniesta is from the Castile-La Mancha region of Spain, but he has lived most of his life in Catalonia. He scored the goal to win Spain their only World Cup in 2010, when they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in South Africa.

What is Iniesta signature move?

Andres Iniesta's Signature 'La Croqueta' Is One Of The Most Underappreciated Skill Moves Ever.

How was Messi discovered?

Carles Rexach, former Barcleona player and coach, was the man who brought Lionel Messi to the attention of the Catalan side and in an interview with 'The Sun', he revealed what he made of the Argentine the first time he saw him play.

Who is the greatest midfielder of all time?

Diego Maradona

"Undoubtedly, the best of the bunch," said Brazilian legend Zico. "In my generation, in my era, he was simply the best. "He was always being watched, and he could always conjure up beautiful pieces of magic. He was the best midfielder of all time."