Iniesta: I'm back to feeling like a footballer in Japan Football Joined Vissel Kobe last summer

Andres Iniesta has revealed that his move to Vissel Kobe in Japan came about because he wanted to keep feeling like a footballer.

The midfielder left Barcelona last summer after winning 31 major trophies with the Catalan club and has been joined at Kobe by David Villa.

"I wanted to keep feeling like a footballer," Iniesta told EFE. "The scenario is different and the project is different, what hasn't changed is the responsibility and passion that I have to play football."

Iniesta's side have started the J-League with two wins in their first four games under Spanish boss Juan Manuel Lillo.

"Winning matches is hard at any club, but in Japan it's something really difficult," Iniesta admitted. "Every team is similar and very tough to play against."

Lukas Podolski and Sergi Sampar are also on the books at Kobe, with the club eager to become the best in Asia.

"This is why I came and that's why they gave me that confidence," Iniesta went on. "I love going to places where people show you love, respect, predisposition and confidence.

"Coming from where I have, it's really difficult to live up to expectations and pressure, and I've always been a very self-demanding person."

Iniesta is living with his family in Kobe and can speak basic Japanese having spent almost nine months in the country.

Along with his new challenges in football and in life, the 34-year-old has had time to pass on his knowledge to children in Japan with his own academy.