Over 300 reporters attended today's unveiling by Vissel Kobe of new signing Andres Iniesta.

The former Barcelona captain touched down in Kobe this morning and was presented to the local media in the afternoon.

The press were permitted only two questions to the Spain midfielder, who will return to Europe to prepare for the World Cup.

"I have a lot of respect for Japanese football and a lot of respect for Japanese players, they are smart players with a great technical level," said Iniesta.

He also stated: "I have had the good fortune to have different proposals but the project that Kobe presented to me was interesting, and Japanese culture also seems wonderful to me.

"Everything in general, their people ... I want to be one more in the Japanese culture."

Hiroshi Mikitani, CEO and owner of Rakuten as well as owner of Vissel, also stated: "He is the most respected player in the world, he will have a profound impact on the development of Japanese football."