Andres Iniesta has confirmed that he will be leaving Vissel Kobe this summer after spending five years in Japan.

In an emotional farewell press conference today, the World Cup winner gave a heartfelt goodbye to Vissel teammates and fans alike.

Iniesta also posted a statement on his own Social Media platforms which read, “A very moving day. I am very grateful for the club, my teammates, the staff, and the supporters while remembering the five years I spent in Japan. Thank you for always supporting me”.

Día de emociones, de recordar todo lo vivido en Japón durante 5 años. Muchas gracias al club, mis compañeros, staff y a los fans por vuestro apoyo incodicional. Siempre @visselkobe! ❤️🤍… pic.twitter.com/EFteBqc16O

— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) May 25, 2023

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta leaves Japanese side Vissel Kobe

Iniesta did not make any reference that he was going to retire from playing, however, and is likely to make a decision on his future soon, with childhood club Albacete reportedly interested in the legendary midfielder after qualifying for the promotion playoffs to La Liga this season.

The 39-year-old went on to say, “I want to keep playing and then retire while I’m still active. I want to find a place where I can eventually retire”.

Iniesta will take on former club Barcelona on 6 June in his former captain and teammate Sergio Busquests’ final game for the Catalan giants. Iniesta’s last match for Vissel Kobe will come on 1 July against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.