Bojan: ‘Stoke is my second home’

“If someone had written on a piece of paper all the things that I would experience since joining Barcelona aged nine, reaching the first team at 17, playing for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, living those amazing experiences, I would sign it immediately.”

At 31, Bojan is reflecting on his career. A Champions League winner twice with Barcelona and a folk hero at Stoke City, he has played and scored for Milan, Roma and Ajax. Now he is enjoying a new adventure in Japan alongside his old pal Andres Iniesta.

Iniesta has still got it in case you were wondering.

"He has his ability for life, you know," Bojan tells Sky Sports. "Of course, he is 37-years-old and not as physically sharp as he was when he was 27. But he is still making the difference for us. Everyone looks to Andres. He is a unique player. He could play on for years."

Bojan himself is not finished either. He has been in Japan since New Year's Day preparing for the forthcoming season with Vissel Kobe, embracing the culture on a new continent.

"I always felt I had a special connection to Japanese culture. Everyone wants to visit Japan at some point in their lives. I was talking to my friends about a holiday here last summer. Soon after, I received the offer to play for Vissel. It is a privilege."

Communication has not been easy. "It is like living in another world here." A translator is required in the dressing room. But there is lots to admire. "It is how they act, how they treat people. Everyone wants to help. It is a very respectful culture," he explains.

"I am learning a lot about that culture. I am here to play football and I dedicate my day to that, making sure that my body is ready to compete. But the rest of the day I read books about Japan, I try to visit