Domestic Leagues
The 36-year-old parts company with Kobe two-and-a-half years after joining from Barcelona having helped Vissel win the Emperor’s Cup and participate in the AFC Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
“It was a great pleasure for me to be able to play at Vissel Kobe,” the defender said in a statement on Kobe’s website.
“I was able to share many wonderful moments with you. We would like to thank all the fans who supported us and everyone involved in the club, and wish the team good luck in the future.”
Vermaelen signed for Kobe midway through the 2019 J1 League season and won the Emperor’s Cup by the end of the year, earning the club their first-ever major domestic trophy and a place in the 2020 AFC Champions League.
Kobe reached the semi-finals of the continental championship before losing in a penalty shoot-out to eventual winners Ulsan Hyundai from Korea Republic.
While the club missed out on the 2021 edition of the continental championship, Vermaelen helped Kobe to a third-place finish in the J1 League, ensuring Vissel will play in next year’s AFC Champions League.
Vermaelen played 45 times in the J1 League for Kobe, scoring once, as well as six times in the AFC Champions League and five times in the Emperor’s Cup.
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
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