Over 8,000 fans have welcomed Andres Iniesta to Vissel Kobe.

Former Barcelona captain Iniesta appeared for the first time dressed fully in the Japanese side's kit with his legendary No.8 on his back two days after signing his contract with the club.

Inside the stadium there were banners, written in Spanish, to receive him. "Bienvenido (Welcome), Andres Iniesta," read one of them.

Iniesta, addressing the supporters, said: "Thanks for such a warm welcome. In these two days I have spent in Japan I have been shown so much affection and I am very grateful."

Another message among the supporters read "A magician is coming to Kobe" and another simply said "Infinit Iniesta," the slogan used by Barça to bid farewell to the midfielder.

He added: "I'm looking forward to working hard and to learning, to helping Vissel improve and to helping the club aspire to [win] the Japanese league and the Asian Champions League."