Spanish soccer legend Andres Iniesta on Wednesday turned the newest marquee title to commit his profession finale to the Gulf by signing for Emirates FC regardless of having already turned 39. Iniesta introduced in May that he was leaving Vissel Kobe in Japan sooner than anticipated after spending giant elements of the J-League season on the bench. “This is another very important step in my career after the long years spent in Barcelona and then in Japan,” World Cup and European Championship winner Iniesta stated at an official ceremony in Ras Al Khaimah.

“I am here to open a new page and I will do everything possible to achieve the best results with my team. I have always done my best with Barcelona and Vissel Kobe, and I will do the same here.”

Iniesta joined Vissel Kobe in 2018 after 16 years at Barcelona the place he gained 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 gained the Emperor’s Cup in 2019, the Japanese Super Cup in 2020 and led his workforce to the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League.

Emirates FC have had their ups and downs lately, profitable the Emirates Cup and Super 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 stay with us for years to come”, stated Emirates FC chairman Youssef Al Batran.

Iniesta is the newest star to hitch 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.