Vissel Kobe midfielder Andres Iniesta has no regrets over his departure from Barcelona after facing his former team in a friendly.
Iniesta has been at the J.League side since 2018, when he left boyhood club Barca after a trophy-laden 16 seasons at Camp Nou.
The 35-year-old played a half as Vissel Kobe suffered a 2-0 loss to Barca in a friendly on Saturday.
Iniesta said he had no complaints about his departure from Barca, whose win marked their first of pre-season.
No, no regrets. It s a very strong word to label it as that, he told reporters.
I ve always said it. If I had felt the desire or the strength to continue playing in Barcelona I would ve loved to come here a year later playing for Barca against Vissel, but my moment ended.
Now, I m in another place enjoying it in another way. I enjoyed the game, seeing my team-mates, it makes me very happy and I have a nice memory of it.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona)
A second-half brace from 21-year-old forward Carles Perez saw Barcelona to their win.
Asked about facing his former club, Iniesta – who won nine LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues among numerous other trophies with Barca – said it was unusual.
It has been a bit strange. Instead of having them as partners, I had to face them, he said.
But the truth is that I enjoyed and savoured it. In general the team hasn t performed badly. I m happy for such a day, it s a special day.
