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Andres Iniesta (R) of Spain speaks during a press conference to announce his departure from Japanese club Vissel Kobe in Kobe, Japan, May 25, 2023. /CFP
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta on Thursday said he will make an early exit from Japanese side Vissel Kobe but intends to keep playing.
The midfield maestro said he did not know where his next move would be but ruled out retiring.
"First, I want to finish my time here properly and then see what options are available to me," he told reporters, pausing to wipe away tears at times.
"I want to keep playing and then retire while I'm still active. That's difficult for me to do here, so I want to find a place where I can eventually retire."
Andres Iniesta (center-right) shakes hands with a player during the Asian Football Confederation Champions League match between Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F. Marinos at the Saitama Stadium in Saitama, Japan, August 18, 2022.
The Spanish World Cup winner's contract with Vissel runs until the end of the year.
The former Barcelona midfielder, who turned 39 earlier this month, joined Kobe in 2018 after a glittering career at the Catalan club, where he won 30 trophies. He also won the World Cup and back-to-back European Championships with Spain.
"We regret to announce the departure of Andres Iniesta from our club," Kobe said in a statement.
"For five years since joining, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Iniesta, who has made significant contributions to Vissel Kobe."
Iniesta will leave Kobe after their home match against Consadole Sapporo at Noevir Stadium on July 1.
He has made 133 appearances for Kobe so far, winning the 2019 Emperor's Cup and the Japanese Super Cup in 2020.
Andres Iniesta (C) of Barcelona lifts the trophy after winning the Super Cup between Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi, Georgia, August 11, 2015. /CFP
Andres Iniesta
Position: midfielder
Senior career: Barcelona B (2001-2003), Barcelona (2002-2018), Vissel Kobe (2018-2023)
(With input from agencies)
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Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466