Spanish soccer legend Andres Iniesta on Wednesday grew to become the most recent marquee identify to commit his profession finale to the Gulf by signing for Emirates FC regardless of having already turned 39. Iniesta introduced in Could that he was leaving Vissel Kobe in Japan sooner than anticipated after spending massive elements of the J-League season on the bench. “That is one other crucial step in my profession after the lengthy years spent in Barcelona after which in Japan,” World Cup and European Championship winner Iniesta mentioned at an official ceremony in Ras Al Khaimah.

“I’m right here to open a brand new web page and I’ll do every part doable to realize one of the best outcomes with my group. I’ve at all times performed my finest with Barcelona and Vissel Kobe, and I’ll do the identical right here.”

Iniesta joined Vissel Kobe in 2018 after 16 years at Barcelona the place he received the Champions League 4 instances and La Liga on 9 events. He additionally performed in Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph and the 2008 and 2012 European Championship victories.

With Vissel Kobe, Iniesta received the Emperor’s Cup in 2019, the Japanese Tremendous Cup in 2020 and led his group to the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League.

Emirates FC have had their ups and downs in recent times, profitable the Emirates Cup and Tremendous Cup in 2020, whereas being relegated in the identical season to the Second Division.

Iniesta, who will put on the quantity eight shirt at his new membership, “will stick with us for years to return”, mentioned Emirates FC chairman Youssef Al Batran.

Iniesta is the most recent star to affix the exodus to the energy-rich Gulf the place Saudi Arabia has been setting the tempo with the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez.