FOOTBALL legend Andres Iniesta helped his Vissel Kobe team win the Japanese Super Cup after a calamitous penalty shoot-out win against Yokohama F Marinos.
And after the triumph Iniesta proudly stood by the winners’ cheque of 30million yen – which is less than half of what he earns in a week over in the Far East.
Andres Iniesta helped secure his side a 30million yen prize for winning the Japan Super CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The former Barcelona star signed a £450,000-a-week deal when he joined the J-League outfit in May 2018.
That is the equivalent of 63million yen – making him one of the highest paid players in the world.
So Vissel’s prize for winning silverware pales into insignificance compared to what they shell out for the 35-year-old midfielder.
But at least they are getting something in return for their money with Iniesta helping Kobe to their second trophy since he joined.
It was a good commercial for Japanese soccer
Vissel Kobe manager Thorsten Fink
The Japanese Super Cup ended 3-3 after extra-time, before Kobe secured a 3-2 shoot-out success.
But incredibly NINE players missed their spot-kicks in a row in what was an abysmal penalty shoot-out. But the ever-reliable Iniesta of course netted his.
Unfortunately the same could not be said for his former Barca team-mate Thomas Vermaelen who fluffed his lines for Kobe.
Speaking after the game former German international Thorsten Fink, who now manages Kobe, told The Japan Times: “It was a good commercial for Japanese soccer. I hope the fans enjoyed it.
“I’ve never seen a penalty shootout like that.
“It’s great to win a title, and if you look at the match both teams fought hard.
“We showed that we were focused on winning the title and I’m happy about that.”
Andres Iniesta has now won two trophies since moving to Japan to play footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Vissel Kobe start the celebrations after winning the Super CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
