Villa to rejoin Iniesta in Japan
Afp, Tokyo
Former Spain and Barcelona striker David Villa announced Saturday that he has signed with J-Leagues Vissel Kobe, joining his former teammate Andres Iniesta.
Villa tweeted a video, showing his successful work with New York City FC, before receiving a phone call that took him to Japan.
Hola japon. Hola Vissel Kobe, he said in the clip, which showed him in the J-League clubs crimson jersey.
The 36-year-old forward is the latest high-profile acquisition by Vissel in the western Japanese port city of Kobe.
The outfit -- owned by Japanese tech billionaire Hiroshi Mikitani -- acquired Iniesta earlier this year after signing former Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski in 2017.
Villa, the all-time leading goalscorer in Spanish national team history, joined New York City in 2014 from Atletico Madrid following successful seasons with Barcelona and Valencia. Villa made his international debut for Spain in 2005. He has since participated in four major tournaments, becoming an integral member of the Spain teams that won UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
