By AFPMore by this AuthorTOKYOBarcelona legend Andres Iniesta's decision to join Japan's Vissel Kobe could make the J-League a serious option for the world's top footballers, former Shimizu S-Pulse manager Steve Perryman said. "As soon as a top player like Iniesta decides to go to Japan it becomes an option for other people," said the former Tottenham Hotspur captain, who coached at J-League clubs S-Pulse and Kashiwa Reysol between 1996 to 2002. "It gives the J-League credibility but it's about what Iniesta brings with him in terms of his ethos and work ethic," added Perryman. BIG IN JAPANPerryman expects Iniesta to have as big an impact as the Frenchman on a J-League that has struggled to attract marquee players in recent years. But bringing in Iniesta bucks the trend of top players moving to rich Chinese clubs in the twilight of their careers in spectacular fashion.

Source: Daily Nation May 25, 2018 02:03 UTC