Western Sydney Wanderers fan favourite Shinji Ono will return to Japan at the conclusion of the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 season and the completion of the Club’s AFC Champions League group stage and Round of 16 commitments.
Ono will depart the Club following the expiration of his current contract in May 2014 bringing to an end his two seasons as the Wanderers inaugural marquee player.
Having spent two years away from his wife and two young children who have remained in Japan, Shinji has expressed his desire to see out his career in his home country to be closer to his young family.
In June, Ono will link up with J-2 club Consadole Sapporo to play out the remainder of the season in Japan as the club chases promotion to the J-League.
Western Sydney Wanderers Executive Chairman, Lyall Gorman expressed the Club’s utmost admiration and affection for Shinji.
“Shinji is the ultimate professional on and off the field and the ultimate gentleman. He will leave us with long lasting memories of his time with our Club,” said Gorman.
“He is committed to the Wanderers until the end of his contract in May this year which will see him help lead our Club in its 2014 Asian Champions League debut and hopefully a second Hyundai A-League Finals Series.
“Shinji Ono will forever be remembered in our Club folklore and on behalf of the entire Wanderers family we look forward to making the final months of his time in Australia with the Wanderers a memorable one. He will always be a part of the Wanderers family and story as history records it over time. We wish him every success in his return to his homeland and thank him for his incredible contribution to our Club’s birth and journey thus far.”
Ono will speak to the media tomorrow about his move.
