Andres Iniesta following Begiristain, Goikoetxea and Salinas
The Barcelona playmaker leaves Camp Nou after 22 years
Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta is poised to move to Vissel Kobe in Japan, following in the footsteps of other stars from the Spanish game, like Aitor Tiki Begiristain, Antoni Goikoetxea and Julio Salinas.
Iniesta has, according to Japanese source NHK, sealed his move there after weeks of rumours. The J-League started in 1993 and has had a few Spanish players.
Begiristain played two seasons with Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama between 1997-99, ending his career after previously playing at Deportivo La Coruna, Barcelona and Real Sociedad.
Julio Salinas played for Yokohama F Marinos in 1997, for two seasons, before heading back to Deportivo Alaves.
Salinas played with his friend Goikoetzea in that side, who had personal problems with the team coach - Antonio de la Cruz, another Spaniard. Goikoetzea returned to Osasuna, where he started his career in 1985 and retired there.
