The Barcelona legend elected to leave the Catalan club in May 2018, after celebrating a La Liga win.

He penned a three year contract with Japanese side Vissel Kobe shortly after, and extended his deal a further two years after the 2021 season.

In an interview with The Athletic, Iniesta insisted he made the correct decision in leaving the club, despite signing a lifetime contract to stay at the Camp Nou.

WHAT THEY SAID: “Moving to Japan was the right decision,” Iniesta said. “I had to take it. I was happy and convinced that it was the right moment. And time has, fortunately, shown me that I was correct. It was the right decision on a sporting level and on a family level.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Iniesta formed a deadly midfield partnership with Xavi at Barcelona, featuring in central midfield alongside his fellow Spaniard for 10 years. He ended his Barca career with 601 appearances for the club.