Iniesta Has 'big Goals' After Extending Career With Kobe
Muhammad Irfan Published May 14, 2021 | 11:50 AM
Tokyo, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th May, 2021 ) :Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta said Friday he wants to "achieve big goals" with Japan's Vissel Kobe after signing a two-year contract extension.
The former Barcelona maestro, who has battled back to action after a serious thigh injury, inked the two-year deal on Tuesday, his 37th birthday.
"What drives me is that I am motivated to work with Vissel Kobe to achieve big goals," he told an online press conference.
"I want to be the one to decide when I will retire. I do not want injuries to force me into retirement." The World Cup-winning midfielder joined Kobe in 2018 in a deal worth a reported $30 million a year.
He helped Kobe, currently fifth in the 20-team J-League, reach the semi-finals of last year's Asian Champions League.
Iniesta, named Kobe's captain in April 2019, was sidelined for several months after he ruptured a tendon in his right thigh last December.
Following surgery in Barcelona, he was back training in April before returning to action in the J-League this month.
Iniesta said he aims "to bring my whole body and my game intuition to the top level and be ready to fight".
"I am happy with where I am at as far as my condition is concerned... but I am still on my way towards reaching my top condition," he said.
After his arrival in Japan, Iniesta led Kobe to its first trophy -- the Japanese Super Cup title in 2020.
"This is a sign that our project is going in the right direction. What's important is that we will always achieve this high quality of work as a club," he said.
Iniesta has enjoyed huge popularity in Japan, with analysts estimating he has generated more than $100 million in ticket sales and merchandising revenue.
He has appeared in tv commercials for Japanese sake and mobile phone services.
Kobe's tech-billionaire owner, Hiroshi Mikitani, has said Iniesta's presence in Japan has helped improve the quality of the entire J-League.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Govt likely to hike electricity price once again
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
Malala expresses unwavering support for Gaza people
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
4 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
6 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
16 days ago