By Daily Sports on April 22, 2020

With Spain one of the country’s hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, Barcelona great Andres Iniesta says he is finding it tough to watch events unfold in Europe from his new home in Japan.

Iniesta, who joined Vissel Kobe in 2018 after a trophy laden career at Barcelona, told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday that while the importance of football was secondary during the health crisis it was frustrating not to be able to play.

Japan’s domestic football season has been put on hold during the crisis, with Iniesta remaining in Kobe with his wife and three children.

The 35-year-old, one of the most technically gifted midfielders to play the game, said it was difficult to be away from his wider family and friends back in Spain.

“It is a very difficult situation because you are not there with them, with your loved ones," he said through a translator.

“You can’t see what is happening on a daily life level so that is difficult but we keep talking on a daily basis, checking in with them and just hoping that the situation gets better.”

The new coronavirus has infected more than 200,000 people in Spain and killed over 20,000. Japan has confirmed more than 11,000 infections of the virus with over 250 deaths.

Despite winning virtually everything there is to win in Europe, Iniesta has not come to Japan to slide quietly into retirement.

He led Vissel Kobe to their first piece of silverware when they won the Emperors’ Cup in January and is hungry for more success here.

After his playing days are over he says he wants to move into coaching but will take things one step at a time.

“I feel I want to pursue being a coach but we will see what happens, things change on a daily basis so in a few years we don’t know what will happen,” he said.

“For now, I am focusing on what I have in front of me.”

When football is given the green light to resume Iniesta wants to pick up where he left off, imparting his wisdom to Kobe’s younger players and aiming for a first J.League championship. (SuperSport)

•PHOTO: Andreas Iniesta 

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 22, 2020

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