David Villa and Andres Iniesta set for Barcelona reunion at Vissel Kobe

Duo: Andres Iniesta and David Villa playing for Barcelona in 2012

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Alex Young @alexwsyoung1 December 2018

David Villa is set to be reunited with former Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta at J.League club Vissel Kobe next season, the striker has confirmed.

Former Bayern Munich and Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski will also join the club.

Villa, who won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup with Spain, said he would be leaving New York City FC after scoring 80 goals in 124 games for the Major League Soccer side.

Villa made the announcement on YouTube and the move was later confirmed by Kobe in a statement.

"It's decided," he said in a video. "I have a new destination. A great challenge awaits. New country. New culture. New team-mates. Hello Japan. Hello Vissel Kobe."

Villa was Iniesta's team-mate during a very successful period for the Spanish giants and won two La Liga titles and the Champions League in 2011.

Iniesta scored on Saturday as Kobe wrapped up their J.League season with a 3-2 victory over Vegalta Sendai, finishing 10th in the 18-team league.

Additional reporting by Reuters.