OSAKA -- Andres Iniesta, a star midfielder who played for Spain's national soccer team during the recent FIFA World Cup finals in Russia, arrived at Kansai Airport on Wednesday ahead of joining the J.League club Vissel Kobe. He could play as early as Sunday in a game against Shonan Bellmare at the Noevir Stadium Kobe in Hyogo Ward, Kobe.
"I'm looking forward to a new challenge," Iniesta, 34, said, showing no signs of fatigue from playing in the World Cup. "I want to start playing as soon as possible."
Iniesta played a major role in Spanish powerhouse Barcelona's superb passing game.
The globally acclaimed player was greeted by about 300 cheering fans waiting for him at the airport. His face lit up in response to the enthusiastic welcome, and he happily signed autographs for fans.
"He seems to care so much about his fans. I think he'll play well and be a good role model for children who want to become professional soccer players," said a 20-year-old male university student from Chuo Ward, Kobe.
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