Former Barca star David Villa joins Andres Iniesta at Vissel Kobe

David Villa joins Andres Iniesta: The former Barcelona forward has joined Andres Iniesta at the Japanese club, Vissel Kobe.

David Villa and Andres Iniesta played together during their time at Barcelona and Spain’s national team. The forward joined Barcelona in 2010, following his exploits at Valencia.

Villa enjoyed significant success at the club before his career at Barca was cut-short due to injury. He joined Atletico Madrid in 2013, and eventually left for MLS side New York City a year later.

Earlier this week, the club confirmed the departure of David Villa after four seasons at the club. Villa scored 80 goals in 124 appearances for the side during his time at the club.

The forward will now have a reunion with Iniesta at Vissel Kobe, as he announced the transfer yesterday.

David Villa joins Andres Iniesta:

The Spanish forward announced through his social media feed that he will join Japanese side Vissel Kobe. Talking about the transfer, Villa stated that he talked to Andres Iniesta before agreeing to the deal.

“I take care when making such big career decisions, I need to know a club really wants me,” Villa said during a press conference in Japan. “I love to feel welcome and I felt that from Vissel Kobe. That’s a big reason.

“When I got the offer from Vissel I called Iniesta and my wife called Andres’ wife. The city of Kobe, the wonderful times with family, hearing about the club’s togetherness and their project – I got a good impression of the club from Andres.”

Talking about Iniesta, Villa said, “He was my team-mate as well as my friend for many years. It’s great that I can challenge myself in a new project with him.”

David Villa won the World Cup (in 2010) and Euro (in 2012) alongside Andres Iniesta with Spain, and is currently the highest goalscorer for the national team, with 59 goals from 98 appearances.