Japan is known internationally for its cuisine and deep history.... but what about Andrés Iniesta impersonators?
ESPN report that FC Tokyo will bring in an impersonator of the former Barcelona and Spain star for this Sunday's clash with Vissel Kobe.
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He has only played 113 minutes in two appearances for the J-League team so far but looks set to miss this weekend's game as he has made a short trip back to Spain.
"Iniesta has made a quick trip back to Spain to pick up his family and bring them to Japan," said Vissel Kobe business director Masayuki Mori, "He will be away for just a few days and will then return to action."
The 34-year-old joined Vissel Kobe on a free transfer earlier this year, following a 16-year career at Camp Nou.
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FC Tokyo look set to capitalise on the allure of Vissel Kobes' World Cup winners Iniesta and Lukas Podolski as they have sold out the 50,000-seater Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in three years.
Iniesta lost 3-0 to Shonan Bellmare in his debut for Vissel Kobe, they currently sit fifth in the league table with hopes that the addition of Iniesta and Podolski could see them finish in the top three for the first time.
"It's a shame we lost because I don't like losing," said Iniesta.
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"But this is just the first step of an amazing new adventure. It was a physical game that showed the quality of the J-League."
Words by George Buksmann.
Topics: Football News, Football, Andres Iniesta, Fails