“He was a great inspiration” - Vissel Kobe pay tribute to Andres Iniesta

Vissel Kobe president Yuki Chifu thanked Andres Iniesta for his contribution to Japanese football and highlighted his role as a role model both “on and off” the pitch, after the Spaniard announced his retirement.

“For five years he contributed a lot not only to the club, but to Japanese football,” Chifu recalled in a statement released Wednesday where he reviewed the titles won by the club from 2018 to 2023, seasons in which the Spanish footballer played in the archipelago.

“For me personally, Iniesta's performances have been a great inspiration. His plays are still fresh in my memory,” the president said, adding that his help, as a world-class player, was able to attract new fans to the Japanese League.

The club official highlighted his “humble” personality, despite being “one of the best players in the world,” and his “respect” for teammates and fans alike. He was also “proud” of the player's self-confessed love for the city and the country.

In May last year, the Spanish player announced his departure from Vissel Kobe and promised to maintain his relationship with the club, a fact that Chifu remembers and hopes they can continue “walking together” on new paths.

Iniesta played 114 games in the Japanese League, scoring 21 goals and assisting 22 times, as well as winning five titles at the club: two Asian championships, one J.League championship, one Emperor's Cup and one Japanese Super Cup.

 

October 8, 2024