Iniesta: It will be strange to go up against Busquets, Jordi Alba and Rakitic Barcelona Will take on Barcelona for first time

Andres Iniesta has admitted that it will be strange for him to come up against his former Barcelona teammates when they meet again on Saturday.

The Catalan club will play against Iniesta's Vissel Kobe side on July 27 as part of their tour of Japan this summer.

Ahead of the anniversary of his first appearance for Kobe, Iniesta penned a letter to the Barcelona fans via the club's website.

"On July 22 it will be a year since my debut in a Vissel Kobe shirt. One year already, and a very intense year at all levels. My first year as a former Barcelona player and my first year in a country, Japan, that is so different from Spain," he wrote.

"I have said so many times, I wish I could've continued playing at Barcelona for the rest of my career, alongside all the friends I have in the dressing room, in the magnificent stadium that is the Camp Nou, with the affection of the fans and playing in great competitions like LaLiga and the Champions League. But there are moments in life where you have to make decisions. I already made one at 12 years of age, with the support of my family, when I left Fuentealbilla to go to La Masia. I did it again a year ago, with the support of my extended family once more. I came to Japan to continue enjoying football, and that's what I'm doing because it's what I like the most.

"Regarding results, they're not as good as we would like, but the football experience is very interesting. Japanese football is very competitive and, although it doesn't look like it, the fans are very passionate. The atmosphere in the stadiums is really amazing. You will see that when we play against Barcelona on July 27 in Kobe, because the Noevir Stadium will certainly be full. I am always pleasantly surprised by the affection that all the fans give me wherever we go as they are very grateful and respectful.

"As for life in Kobe, both my family and I are delighted. At first it's always difficult, because of the language, customs and food, but the children quickly adapted, and Anna [Iniesta's wife] and I did too. The proof is that we have extended the family with Romeo, who will experience the first years of his life in Japan. We are very happy to be a family of six.

"It is curious that, one year after I came here, Barcelona are visiting my current city. Without a doubt, it will be a very special game for everyone. It will be strange to have [Sergio] Busquets, Jordi Alba and [Ivan] Rakitic in opposition, it will be strange to play against the team of my life and it will be a day of many emotions for me. Hopefully we will all enjoy it, and that the fans of Vissel Kobe have fun watching a great game."