After five years of playing in Japan, Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta is about to depart Vissel Kobe and has already expressed a desire to return to Camp Nou on numerous occasions.
Iniesta made the move to Japanese football in 2018 after bidding Barcelona, for whom he had made 674 games in all competitions, a tearful farewell.
But when asked about his plans for the future in 2022, Iniesta said he only intended to stay in Japan for one more year, this one, till 2023. His playing days are practically over, and this season, the 2010 World Cup winner has played a limited role for Kobe.
His current J1 League season is up until the conclusion of his contract, but a local rumor from Nikkan Sports claims he may quit earlier. If so, his final match might be the Kobe-Barcelona friendly scheduled for June 6th. He might still be able to continue working in the Middle East or the United States should he choose to do so, so he won't necessarily retire right away.
Iniesta's ultimate goal is to join Barcelona after his playing career is over.
Iniesta stated to Gazzetta Dello Sport in October of last year, "I'll spend another year here, then we'll see." "I'd like to go back to Barcelona, but I'm not sure what I'd do. a coach, a sporting director, or someone else.
Iniesta stated to journalist Gerard Romero earlier in 2022: "I would want to return to Barcelona. I want to support the organization. Given the numerous factors at play, predicting what will occur in the future is challenging. My home is Barça, and there I could not be happier.
"I often think about getting the title of coach or getting ready to be a sports director. Yes, I would like to be associated with football.
"I share the same desire as many Barcelona supporters: for the squad to perform well, bounce back, and pick up victories. to do everything that is feasible. All things require time. Everything."
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