Kobe, May 25 (BNA): The Japanese club announced, Thursday, that former Spain international Andres Iniesta will leave Vissel Kobe in the middle of the current J.League season.
The former Barcelona midfielder, who turned 39 earlier this month, joined Kobe in 2018 after a brilliant career at the Catalan club, where he won 30 titles. He also won back-to-back World Cups and European Championships with Spain, according to Reuters.
“We regret to announce the departure of Andres Iniesta from our club,” Kobe said in a statement.
“For the five years since we joined, we are deeply grateful to Iniesta, who has made great contributions to Vissel Kobe.”
Iniesta will leave Kobe after the home match against Consadole Sapporo at Neufair Stadium on July 1. The club leads by three points after 14 matches.
He has made 133 appearances for Kobe so far, winning the 2019 Emperor’s Cup and the Japanese Super Cup in 2020.
ZHB