Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta says he will be leaving Vissel Kobe after five years due to a lack of game time, but says he is not looking to retire yet.
Iniesta, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and four Champions League titles and nine La Liga titles with Barcelona, wiped away tears on Thursday when he announced he was leaving.
As sources have told ESPN, Iniesta has interest from Major League Soccer, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Dubai and is open to considering offers.
The 39-year-old midfielder has made just three substitute appearances so far this season but said he plans to keep playing, although he did not say where.
When asked at a press conference where his next club would be, Iniesta said: “I have to tell the truth, I don’t know.”
“I want to continue playing football. I feel I can still play. But when this chapter closes, we will see what is possible. I want to end my career on the pitch playing, and this is what I hope to do,” he continued.
After completing his long spell at Barcelona, Iniesta joined the Japanese club in 2018 on a three-year contract, and extended his stay with a two-year extension.
His final game for the club is expected to be at home on July 1.
Vissel Kobe is currently at the top of the J-League after 14 matches.
“This is a very emotional day after so many years,” he added. “I try to give my best on and off the pitch. I’m very proud of that.”
Iniesta famously scored the winning extra-time goal in the 2010 World Cup final in the 1-0 win over the Netherlands for Spain’s only World Cup title.
Iniesta has described going to Japan as one of the best decisions of his life, repeatedly saying “thank you” to the club, the fans and fellow players.
“I was made to feel welcome here from day one,” he said.
