Perth Glory have pulled off a major recruiting coup, with Japanese forward Ryo Nagai joining the club on a season long loan.
Perth Glory have pulled off a major recruiting coup, with Japanese forward Ryo Nagai joining the club on a season long loan.
The 21 year old star, today completed his move from J-League Division 1 side Cerezo Osaka ahead of the the season opening blockbuster, the Grand Final Rematch on Sunday, October 7.
“I am absolutely delighted to get a left sided player and to get the calibre of Ryo right before the kick-off is fantastic, Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson said.
“I had no hesitation in signing him. I knew straight away from his first training session with us that I wanted to keep him.
“He played two fantastic pre-season games in Melbourne last week and out of the seven goals we scored, he was involved in four of them and scored one himself, which was great.
Nagai, who has captained Japan at U-19 level and played 25 games for Osaka said he was excited by the new challenge.
“I am very happy,” Nagai said alongside his agent, Yasushi Imatoki.
“My first impressions of Australia have been very nice. The people are very kind, and outside of Football, there is also a lot of lovely nature.
“Everyone has been very positive accepting me.
Nagai will wear number 12 for Perth Glory and is already aware of the importance of next week-s match against Brisbane Roar.
“I have seen a replay of the Grand Final and now I want to contribute next Sunday and help Perth Glory get a better result than the last game.
“I am really looking forward to the match and hope I can score a goal and give my best to Perth Glory,” he added.
Images of Ryo are available from the club or through GETTY subscription.
