David Villa Announces Move from New York City FC to J.League's Vissel Kobe

David Villa is set to reunite with former Barcelona and Spain team-mate Andres Iniesta in Japan's J.League after announcing he is joining Vissel Kobe.

The 36-year-old revealed the news on social media:

According to BBC Sport, he said: "The moment has come. It's decided. I have a new destination. A great challenge awaits. Asia. New trips. New country. New culture. New team-mates. Hello Japan. Hello Vissel Kobe."

Villa's contract with MLS side New York City FC expires at the end of 2018. He spent four years there, having become the club's first-ever player and captain in 2014, and he enjoyed a successful spell in the USA:

Per ESPN, he added:

"In my years as a professional footballer, I have had to make many important decisions. For an athlete, the ones made off the field are the hardest, and I find myself in another one of those moments now.

"Throughout my career, I have always listened to my body, people around me, and my instinct most of all.

"In those moments of doubt, I hope that a sign, a detail or something gives me clarity. A new challenge awaits, Asia."

Villa made the move to the United States from Atletico Madrid, where he won La Liga in the 2013-14 season.

He had previously enjoyed three years with Barcelona, where he won La Liga twice and the UEFA Champions League with Vissel star Iniesta, among other honours.

Villa and Iniesta also played together for the Spain national side, winning the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and the FIFA World Cup two years later.

The striker scored 59 goals in 98 appearances for La Roja, making him their all-time leading scorer.

Despite boasting Iniesta—who joined in May—and former Germany international Lukas Podolski in their ranks, Vissel only managed to finish 10th of 18 teams in the J.League's 2018 season. However, with Villa to call on next year, they'll hope to challenge nearer the top of the table.