1. FC Nürnberg sign Japanese midfielder on a contract running until June 30th 2014 with an option for a two-year extension.

Nürnberg can welcome yet another Japanese international to the club. Mu Kanazaki arrives from Japanese Premier Division side Nagoya Grampus, a side he won the J-League with in 2010, was runner-up with in 2011 and celebrated a 2011 Super cup victory with. The 23-year-old signed a contract with 1. FC Nürnberg until June 30th 2014 with an option for a two year extension. Mu Kanazakis’ contract had run out at Nagoya Grampus.



“We’ve been considering a move to strengthen our attack for some time now,” said Martin Bader, chairman of sport and public relations at the club, about the new number 28. Nürnberg have investigated the Japanese market for some time, something Martin Bader knows “has been clear” for a while and “was the reason we saw Mu live on more than one occasion.”

Kanazaki arrives on a free

The integration of Japanese internationals is something Nürnberg have done well since the arrival of Hiroshi Kiyotake in the summer of 2012. Hiroshi Kiyotake and Mu Kanazaki have taken to the field together before, during their time at Oita Trinita. “Kiyo will help our new arrival settle in to life in Nürnberg as well as find his feet in the Bundesliga,” explained Martin Bader. At the moment, Junpei Yamamori has been hired by the coach as a translator for Mu Kanazaki.

The 5’11’’ new arrival is best used as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing. Michael Wiesinger, manager of Nürnberg, said: “Mu is capable of playing in any attacking position which will improve the quality and the variety of our attack.” In the J-League Kanazaki has played for Nagoya Grampus (2010-2012) and Oita Trinita (2007-2009), accumilating 143 appearances and 15 goals in the process. He has also played eleven AFC Champions League games, scoring four goals in the process. So far, he’s made five appearances for Japan.



"Improve the quality and variety of our attack"

"I’ve had contact with 1. FC Nürnberg for quite some time,” explained Mu Kanazaki. “I am looking forward to playing in the Bundesliga. It’s a league well supported in Japan. I am also looking forward to playing for a club that has such an amazing set of fans. The club has shown trust in me and I want to repay that with good performances.” Mu Kanazaki took part in the team training on Wednesday afternoon with 1. FC Nürnberg.





Mu Kanazaki Profile



Date of birth: 16.02.1989

Place of birth: Tsu (Mie), Japan

Height: 5’11’’

Weight: 70 kg

Nationality: Japanese

Position: Attacking midfield



Previous clubs: Centro Tsunan (1997–2000), Tokan Junior High School (2001–2003), Takigawa Daini High School (2004–2006), Oita Trinita (2007–2009), Nagoya Grampus (2010–2012)



Career statistics:



143 J. League appearances (15 goals)

22 Cup appearances (3 goals)

11 AFC Champions-League appearances (4 goals)

5 appearances for Japan



Achievements:



J. League-Championship 2010, J. League runner-up 2011, Super cup winner 2011





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