Andres Iniesta determined to have major impact on Emirates Club and UAE football

Andres Iniesta says he will do "everything possible" to have a lasting influence on both Emirates Club and UAE football, as he accepts his latest move will most probably represent the final stop in his playing career before stepping into management.

The Barcelona great, 39, this week became possibly the most prominent signing in UAE football history when he was confirmed at the newly promoted Adnoc Pro League side on an initial one-year contract. There is an option to extend for another season should the move go well.

One of the most decorated footballers in the game, Iniesta arrives at Ras Al Khaimah's Emirates Club following five years in Japan with Vissel Kobe. Before that, the midfielder spent 22 trophy-laden years at Barcelona, winning 22 major titles.

Meanwhile, in a 133-cap international career, Iniesta helped Spain capture the 2010 World Cup – he scored the winner in the final – and two European Championship crowns, in 2008 and 2012.

Speaking to The National on Wednesday night after he was introduced to the media as Emirates Club’s star addition, Iniesta said the overall project presented to him was the decisive factor in choosing the UAE.

“I'm very excited, very eager to keep playing football, to continue my career and try to help my teammates and my club to keep growing,” Iniesta said. “And like in every decision I've made, I want to help and I want to keep enjoying football.

“I hope I can make a maximum impact, in everything I can do and accomplish at football, the academy and training level. I'm 100 per cent focused in accomplishing that.”

Iniesta, who is expected to make his debut in the club’s 2023/24 league season opener at Al Wasl on August 19, said he had many offers to continue his career elsewhere.

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