Vissel Kobe midfielder Sergi Samper has spoken of his decision to leave Barcelona.

Samper left Barca earlier this month to join former Blaugrana stars David Villa and Andres Iniesta at Vissel Kobe.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "Barcelona? I still miss it. I've lived there all my life, but now is the time for a change and it's time to think about the present and the future.

"I knew my role on the team and explained my wishes to (Barca coach Ernesto) Valverde. He was happy for me, and wished me good luck and nothing else.

"A return to Europe? I do not close a door. I came here to find my best level. But I am ambitious. If I find the best version of myself, it will depend on me, we will see what the future holds, but I am focused on the present."