Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Football legend Andrés Iniesta visited the Dubai Blue Kids Team at the Dubai Japanese Association’s Football Club on Feb. 8.

The special event, arranged by Japan’s Consul General in Dubai IMANISHI Jun, was a treat for the young players and a fitting tribute to Iniesta’s enduring legacy in the world of football.

Iniesta, who chose Japan as the location for his retirement ceremony last December, was greeted with resounding applause and excitement from the children of the Dubai Blue football team.

The Spanish footballer, whose career saw him rise to stardom at Barcelona before playing for Vissel Kobe in Japan, spoke fondly of his time in Japan.

His decision to retire there was deeply influenced by the experience he had playing for Vissel Kobe, where he said he formed lasting memories both on and off the pitch.

The children were thrilled as Iniesta took the time to interact with the young athletes, sharing inspiring words about teamwork, dedication and the importance of enjoying football.

During his time with Vissel Kobe, Iniesta not only contributed significantly on the field but also forged a deep connection with the Japanese football culture, a relationship that he described as unforgettable.

Iniesta also played in the UAE Pro League for Emirates Club.

Imanishi ensured the children were able to interact with Iniesta during his visit.

He said: “As the Consul General of Japan in Dubai, I am delighted that my mission and dream of an exchange between Mr. Andres Iniesta and Japanese children playing football in Dubai has finally come true after more than a year of my coordination.”

Imanishi expressed his gratitude and thanks to the footballer for agreeing to visit the sports club.

“I hope that the children enjoyed this opportunity to play football with Mr. Iniesta and learn a lot from him, and that Mr. Iniesta will be able to reconnect with Japan and further strengthen his ties with Japan from now on,” he added.

For the young athletes of Dubai Blue, meeting a legend like Iniesta will undoubtedly be an unforgettable highlight of their football journey. Head Coach of Dubai Blue Kids Team Masamichi Adachi said: “We’d like to express our sincere thanks and respect to Mr. Iniesta, one of the greatest players in football history, and Japan’s Consul General for providing us with this great opportunity. I hope that his experience serves as a valuable foundation for the members of Dubai Blue.”

Iniesta has also established Iniesta Academy, which is an international football family integrated by academies around the world where ‘Andres’ Methodology’ is taught with the aim of training our children to become ‘better people and better players’.