Iniesta moved to the UAE, did not reunite with Messi

Iniesta flew to Dubai on August 7 and is expected to sign a contract with the club based in the city of Ras Al-Khaimah soon. The UK will sign for a year, until June 2024, with the option to extend it for another year.

The Spanish midfielder can make his Emirates Club debut in the first match of the 2023-2024 season against Al-Wasl on August 19.

After leaving European football in 2018, Iniesta went to Asia to play for Vissel Kobe and try his hand at the J1 League for the past 5 years.

After leaving the Japanese team, Iniesta insisted he did not want to retire. "Another chapter in my career has come to an end, let's see what happens next. I want to end my career playing on the pitch and hopefully I can. I'm still capable of playing football. add five," said the midfielder who scored the decisive goal in the 2010 World Cup final.

The team that just recruited Lionel Messi - Inter Miami - is said to have invited the 39-year-old midfielder to the US. Initially, Iniesta considered the possibility of going to MLS, but ultimately refused and continued to stay with Asian football.

Emirates Club was promoted to the UAE Pro League last year after finishing second in the UAE First Division League under the guidance of former Tunisia coach Fathi Labidi. This club has only won two major titles since its founding in 1969, including the 2010 UAE Cup and the 2011 Super Cup.

Iniesta grew up at Albacete club before joining Barca in 1996, at the age of 12. He made his first team debut in 2002, playing 442 matches, scoring 35 goals before leaving. Along with Xavi and Messi, Iniesta is considered a symbol of the legendary tiki taka style Barca performed under Pep Guardiola.

The 39-year-old midfielder won nine La Liga titles, six King's Cups, six Spanish Super Cups, four Champions Leagues, two European Super Cups and three Club World Cups with Barca.