Japan defender Sakai joins new A-league team Auckland FC

Japan defender Hiroki Sakai has joined new A-League side Auckland FC, whose coach said Thursday it was a signing “coup” ahead of their inaugural season. The 34-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Germany’s Hannover 96 and Marseille in France, joined from Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds, where he had been captain. Sakai has played 75
Japan defender Sakai joins new A-league team Auckland FC

Japan defender Hiroki Sakai has joined new A-League side Auckland FC, whose coach said Thursday it was a signing “coup” ahead of their inaugural season.

The 34-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Germany’s Hannover 96 and Marseille in France, joined from Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds, where he had been captain.

Sakai has played 75 times for Japan since 2012 and has featured at three World Cups.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of a new team and a new challenge,” Sakai told AFP.

“It’s hugely motivating for me and I’m looking forward to working with (coach Steve Corica) and the wider team.”

Sakai made 145 appearances for Marseille and played in the UEFA Champions League

“It is a big coup for the football club,” said Auckland FC head coach Corica.

“There were several teams vying for his signature.

“We can’t wait to see him training with the boys and will do all we can to help him settle into life in Auckland.”

New Zealand will have a second club in Australia’s A-League next season when Auckland FC become the 13th team in an expanded competition alongside Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix were second in the table last season behind champions Central Coast Mariners.

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Reply
Related Posts
Frontier League’s Lake Erie Crushers win game … without scoring a run?Frontier League’s Lake Erie Crushers win game … without scoring a run?
Read More

Frontier League’s Lake Erie Crushers win game … without scoring a run?Frontier League’s Lake Erie Crushers win game … without scoring a run?

Frontier League's Lake Erie Crushers win game ... without scoring a run? 12:07 AM UTC Brent Maguire @bmags94 Share share-square-500238 HISTORY! The Lake Erie Crushers became the first team to win a baseball game without scoring a run. Here is the final out call by @TCPopcorn ! pic.twitter.com/NMH79WdDMw — Frontier League (@FLProBaseball) August 10, 2024
EXCLUSIVEInside the tough childhood of ‘biologically male’ boxer Imane Khelif whose 46-second demolition of female rival sparked fury: How she sold bread on the street for cash and was told the sport was ‘only for men’ but wanted to ‘show what I brave woman I am’
Read More

EXCLUSIVEInside the tough childhood of ‘biologically male’ boxer Imane Khelif whose 46-second demolition of female rival sparked fury: How she sold bread on the street for cash and was told the sport was ‘only for men’ but wanted to ‘show what I brave woman I am’

Olympic women's boxer Imane Khelif, who triggered an international gender row by demolishing her opponent in 46 seconds yesterday, has spoken of her 'bravery' at overcoming a life of adversity to reach the top of her sport. The 'biologically male' athlete told how she rose from selling bread on the streets of her Algerian village