Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta hugs with Hiroshi Mikitani, Chairman and CEO of Rakuten Inc and the owner of Vissel Kobe, at a news conference to announce signing for J-League side Vissel Kobe in Tokyo, Japan May 24, 2018. This is a very important challenge for me and my career," Iniesta said, noting that he had a lot of respect for Japanese soccer which had many high-level players. That is why I came to Japan and through my play I hope to make contributions for further development for the club and Japanese soccer. "Mikitani called Iniesta "the most respected soccer player in the world" and said his signing would not only contribute to the club but also help promote the league through his name recognition. This year, they kick off their Group B campaign against Portugal in Sochi on June 15.

Source: Egypt Today May 24, 2018 09:33 UTC