Japanese signals his intent to stay in Australia for another season.
On the eve of their sold-out blockbuster local derby, the Western Sydney Wanderers have announced they have resigned marquee player Shinji Ono to a one-year contract extension
Ono has been one of the A-League biggest success stories, with the Japanese star helping guide the Wanderers to the threshold of claiming the Premier’s Plate in their inaugural season.
Despite being courted by Chinese club Shenzhen Ruby, along with A-League rivals Melbourne Heart and Perth Glory, Ono said he had no problems staying with the league’s newest franchise.
“I love this club and I want to play more football with them so we can achieve more beyond this season,” Ono told the club’s website.
“I have told anybody who asks me about the club that it is like a big family.
“Of course I mean the players and the coaching staff but I also mean everyone who works in the club – they are like family to me.”
Ono, who has scored seven goals in 23 appearances for the Wanderers, will line up against one of the A-League’s other big stars this weekend, Sydney FC’s main man Alessandro Del Piero.
More than 20,000 people are expected to pack Parramatta Stadium for the derby, with the Wanderers set to go into the match on March 23 as firm favourites.
Currently Western Sydney is five points clear of the Central Coast Mariners at the top of the table having won their last 10 games in a row.
Despite being on the cusp of creating history in winning the club’s first Premier’s Plate, Ono said anything less than the title will feel like the job is only half done.
“We have had a great season and there is much more to do and I want to be part of it,” Ono said.
“We are all looking very forward to our clash with Sydney FC and any other challenges that come along this season.
“Once this season is over I will then look to next season and prepare with my club the best I can.”
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