Football

Ex-Barca Player, Iniesta Gives Reason For Joining Arab Club

Published

3 months ago

August 10, 2023

FIFA World Cup champion and former Barcelona player, Andres Iniesta has revealed the secret behind his decision of moving to UAE Pro League side Emirates Club.

Iniesta has been without a club since his contract with Japanese club Vissel Kobe expired last July after a five-year spell.

The Spanian was rumored to join former teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami.

However, the scorer of the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final has instead decided to remain in Aisa and join UAE Pro League outfit Emirates Club.

The 39-year-old arrived in the UAE on Monday before being unveiled by the club on Wednesday in what the club described as an ‘exceptional day for Emirati football’.

Andrés Iniesta signed a one-year deal with an option for a further year and will wear the number eight shirt as usual.

Speaking in his press conference, Iniesta said: “Playing with Emirates Club is a new experience, and I look forward to giving my best.

“I’ve been warmly welcomed, and I’ve been acquainted with the club’s future project. I’m delighted to be a part of it.

“I look forward to opening a new chapter and facing a new challenge in my football journey with the Emirates club.

“I will exert my utmost effort and give everything I can to develop football in the UAE, support young players, assist children passionate about the sport, and back academies in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE as a whole.

“My family is important, and I hope they spend enjoyable times in Ras Al Khaimah. I look forward to succeeding in my experience with Emirates Club,” he added.

With four Champions League titles, two Euros, and one World Cup, Iniesta becomes the biggest-ever name to play in the UAE in recent years

Emirates Club was promoted to the UAE Pro League last season after finishing second in UAE First Division League under the guidance of Tunisian manager Fathi Labidi.