Torres says his Japan move was inspired by Iniesta

Fernando Torres has revealed Andres Iniesta inspired him to join J1 League outfit Sagan Tosu.

Iniesta, 34, recently ended a 22-year association with boyhood club Barcelona, by joining Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe.

It soon became apparent that he wasn’t the only Spaniard moving east, as his former La Roja teammate Torres said goodbye to childhood team Atletico Madrid, and it was no mere coincidence.

“We are playing against each other on the penultimate day of the season! I spoke with Iniesta when the possibility came up for him,” he told Goal.

“He told me the idea he had. Then everything went as he expected and it became official.

“He was also aware of my option and encouraged me to go there. The references he had to the league and the country were very similar to the ones I was given.”

Delighted of hear the chants from my new supporters. Heat today here but they sing with enthusiasm! Come on Saga! / Un placer escuchar los cánticos de mi nueva afición. Con calor, pero con entusiasmo. Vamos Saga! #SaganTosu #サガン鳥栖 @saganofficial17 pic.twitter.com/mQGzCvLiQO

— Fernando Torres (@Torres) July 16, 2018

A graduate of Atleti’s academy, the Fuenlabrada-born marksman bagged 83 goals across 201 La Liga outings, between 2001 and 2007, before relocating to Liverpool where he made an immediate impact.

Torres’ efforts, 81 goals in 142 matches, saw Chelsea in January 2011 acquire his services for an undisclosed fee reported to be £50m. His time at Stamford Bridge saw him lift the European Cup, as well as enjoying a loan spell at AC Milan, before temporarily returning to Atleti where he would make the move permanent in 2016.

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