Hyundai A-League 2010 Champions Sydney FC today announced the signing of midfielder Hirofumi Moriyasu. In a remarkable story, the 24-year-old Japanese player almost quit the game.
Hyundai A-League 2010 Champions Sydney FC today announced the signing of midfielder Hirofumi Moriyasu to a one-year contract further bolstering the Sky Blues playing stocks.
The 24-year-old began a trail with Sydney FC one month ago and immediately impressed coach Vitezslav Lavicka and has since appeared in four preseason matches, including coming on during the Sky Blues clash with Everton on Saturday 10 July.
It is somewhat of a remarkable story for ‘Hiro- who was literally just minutes away from quitting football to find a job when he was plying his trade in Japan. However, after a hasty change of heart, he set his mind to signing a contract with a professional club overseas.
After arriving in Sydney early this year, he linked with New South Premier League side APIA Leichardt and, under the guidance of club chairman Tony Raciti, soon became a crowd favourite.
From there he soon came to the attention of Lavicka and his coaching staff following a number of outstanding performances for APIA Leichardt and after a month of trialling with the Sky Blues he inked a contract with the A-League Champions.
“Something tweaked inside me when I was close to quitting. I knew I had to come and try out here. This is unbelievable,” Moriyasu said at this afternoon-s announcement held at Raciti-s restaurant in Haberfield called Dolcissimo.
“I just brought a ticket to Australia so I am just so happy right now.
“The facilities, the standard of football and the coaching staff are just fantastic. I am so happy and want to win.”
It is magical time for Moriyasu who will take to the Sydney Football Stadium pitch for the first time this Sunday when Sydney FC take on AEK Athens in the opening game of inaugural Sydney Festival of Football.
Lavicka said the addition of Moriyasu is invaluable for his team, especially given the massive season the club has ahead of it.
“Hiro is a very versatile player. He impressed me. Since he came to us and trained he has done very well. We are very happy he has signed with Sydney FC,” Lavicka said.
“We have a very good midfield and Hiro is important new player to that. He is the same type of player we looked for. He can play holding midfield; he can play wide and in the diamond.”
Moriyasu is available to media upon request.
Tickets are still available for Sydney FC-s cash with AEK Athens, contact Ticketek for more information.
