Sergi Samper admits former Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta was key in his decision to leave for Vissel Kobe.

Samper will join Iniesta and David Villa at the J-League club, with the Spanish revolution there continuing following the appointment of Juan Manuel Lillo.

"Yes, Andres has been key," Samper admitted in his farewell press conference. "He called me many times and told me Japan was a great place to develop.

"Gerard [Pique] was the one who gave me the news, and I'm very grateful for that."

At just 24, Samper still has a lot of years left in his career, and many may call into question his move to Japan, but he believes it's the right project for him.

"It wasn't an easy decision, going to Japan at 24 wasn't something I had thought about," he admitted. "I've seen what is behind the project.

"I have seen that I can feel loved and valued again, I'm focused on the present."