Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta announced his intention to depart from Japanese club Vissel Kobe ahead of schedule, yet expressing his determination to keep playing aged 39.

Andres Iniesta to leave Japanese club Vissel Kobe

Vissel Kobe, led by World Cup winners Andres Iniesta and Lukas Podolski, beat Kashima Antlers 2-0 to win the Emperors Cup final on Wednesday, in the first football match to be played at Tokyo's National Stadium, built for this year's Olympic Games.

Football: Iniesta's Kobe win Emperors Cup in National Stadium opener

Belgian international defender Thomas Vermaelen has become the latest high profile player to move to Vissel Kobe, the Japanese club announced on Saturday. The 33-year-old, whose contract with Barcelona has now expired, will team up with David Silva, Lucas Podolski and his former Barca captain Andres Iniesta.

Thomas Vermaelen signs for Japanese side Vissel Kobe

Carles Perez scored his first two goals for Barcelona as the Spanish giants won 2-0 against a Vissel Kobe side featuring Andres Iniesta, a legend of the Catalan club.

Carles Perez double as Barcelona beat Iniesta's Vissel Kobe 2-0

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta is looking forward to taking on his former teammates when his Vissel Kobe meets Barcelona this weekend for a friendly, saying Friday the face-off will be "an honour.

Andres Iniesta ready for face-off against ex-team Barcelona

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Andres Iniesta to leave Japanese club Vissel Kobe

Football: Iniesta's Kobe win Emperors Cup in National Stadium opener

Thomas Vermaelen signs for Japanese side Vissel Kobe

Carles Perez double as Barcelona beat Iniesta's Vissel Kobe 2-0

Andres Iniesta ready for face-off against ex-team Barcelona