Iniesta extends with Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe

Ex Barcelona star, Andreas Iniesta extends with Vissel Kobe and is looking forward to greater heights with the Japanese side. (Photo credit: ESPN)

News breaking out of Japan says ex Barcelona creative midfielder Andreas Iniesta has penned a new two-year deal to extend his present contract with a strong determination to make Vissel Kobe the number one team in the whole of Asia.

After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta joined Vissel Kobe with experience and pedigree after winning nine La Liga titles and four UEFA champions league titles and he’s been of strong influence to the Japanese side.

For the first time in their history, they have qualified for the 2020 AFC championship and they won their first silverware at the Emperor’s Cup last year, a major milestone in their 55-year history.

"I will keep persisting with taking on this challenge with the same passion and drive I felt three years ago," Iniesta said at a news conference announcing the extension.

He spoke with so much excitement about making Kobe the top team in Asia, Iniesta added that he was "excited to continue being involved in the project for the next two years."

"I strongly believe that his philosophy and his attitude will not just inspire young football athletes, but also Japan as a whole," CEO of Vissel Kobe owner Rakuten Hiroshi Mikitani said at the news conference.