Spanish soccer legend Andres Iniesta has been speaking about his move to the J. League. On Thursday here in Tokyo, he put pen to paper to officially join Vissel Kobe after nearly 20 years at Barcelona.
The 34-year-old midfielder signed a three-year deal. He's expected to earn nearly 30 million dollars a year.
(Andres Iniesta)
"I came to Japan to help my new team, share my soccer knowledge, and offer my skills. I want to help take the team and Japanese soccer to the next level."
Iniesta appeared with club owner Hiroshi Mikitani, who was instrumental in bringing the star to Japan. Mikitani is CEO of online retailer Rakuten, which also sponsors Barcelona's kit. Mikitani unveiled Iniesta's shirt with the same number 8 he wore in Spain.
◆legend伝説的人物、偉大な人物
◆deal取り引き、契約
◆instrumental貢献する、役に立つ
◆online retailerオンライン小売業者
◆kit（スポーツなどの）ユニフォーム、用品
◆unveil発表する、初公開する
