Iniesta signs for J-League's Vissel Kobe

Tokyo: Spanish international Andres Iniesta on Thursday signed a contract with Japanese football club Vissel Kobe here.

After weeks of speculation in the Japanese media surrounding the former Barcelona midfielder's potential move, hundreds of reporters were in attendance as Iniesta's transfer was finalized, reports Efe.

"Iniesta will be signing up to play with Vissel Kobe after his historic career at FC Barcelona," Vissel Kobe owner Hiroshi Mikitani - founder and CEO of tech giant Rakuten - said at a press conference.

Iniesta introduced himself to reporters by saying "konnichiwa" - good day in Japanese - and ended with "arigato" (thanks) while Mikitani stood by his side.

The player said he was excited to play for Vissel Kobe, adding that Japan was an "amazing country" and he was ready for the "special challenge".