FC Tokyo signs Southampton's Tadanari Lee through June on loan

The Japan international has struggled to regain form following a ligament injury last March and has not featured for the Saints in their Premier League campaign

Japan's FC Tokyo on Thursday announced the signing of Southampton striker Tadanari Lee on loan through the end of June.



The 27-year-old joined the English side in January of last year, making seven appearances in the Championship before damaging a ligament in his right leg in late March. Lee has yet to make his Premier League debut, with one goal and three combined appearances in the League and FA Cups this season.



"I had a lot of worries about transferring, but I finally came to my decision," Lee said through an announcement on Tokyo's home page. "Now that I've arrived, I intend to pour all of my strength into improving myself and FC Tokyo. Thank you for your support."



Born to third-generation Korean parents in Tokyo, Lee played for South Korea's Under-17 and Under-20 teams but experienced discrimination from his team-mates. He took Japanese citizenship in 2007 and represented Japan in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His senior international debut came in the 2011 Asian Cup, where his extra-time volley gave Japan the winning goal against Australia in the 1-0 final.



A product of FC Tokyo's youth system, Lee joined Kashiwa Reysol in 2005 before transferring to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2009. He will be given the club's No. 11 shirt, which has previously been worn by club legend Amaral. He is expected to join Tokyo in time for the beginning of the J-League season on March 2, when they will travel to recently-promoted Oita Trinita.