Auckland FC captain Hiroki Sakai has signed a one-year contract extension, with the Japan international set to remain at the club until the end of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 34-year-old right-back has been pivotal to Auckland’s charge to the top of the table this season, with his individual contribution helping the Black Knights to keep nine clean sheets with the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just 12 goals.
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Sakai has played 12 games for Auckland this season. In the club’s first-ever match against Brisbane Roar, Sakai’s cross forced an own goal from Roar defender Harry Van Der Saag in what was the club’s first Isuzu UTE A-League goal. He’s scored one goal of his own and assisted another in an all-energy role down Auckland’s right side.
Speaking after penning his fresh one-year contract, Sakai said he couldn’t imagine his life anywhere else as he was contemplating his short-term future.
““My family and I have really taken to Auckland,” Sakai said.
“It is a beautiful city; we are all very settled and the support we have all received has been incredible. As for this team, they are fantastic. I love playing with them and running out in front of our fans – the love and support I have received from them is like nothing else.
“I try not to look too far ahead, especially when there is still so much we can achieve over the next few months, but I just couldn’t image packing up and moving on at the end of the season.”
A 74-cap Japan international, Sakai has played at two FIFA World Cups and two Olympic Games. At club level, Sakai played nearly 150 games for French giants Marseille and also enjoyed a 96-game stint at Hannover 96 in the German Bundesliga.
Boasting one of the most impressive CVs in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Sakai’s extension is an important piece of business for Auckland and head coach Steve Corica, who expressed his delight at re-signing his captain for another season.
“For all his quality he is a very humble guy,” says head coach Steve Corica.
“He’s a great pro, a great influence on the younger guys and a player who is highly regarded by everyone at the club.”
“On the pitch he’s just fantastic. He covers an incredible amount of ground and is technically very gifted. I think we all remember his last-man tackle against Melbourne Victory.
“Having Hiroki here for at least another season is great news for us and for the fans who enjoy seeing him perform every week.”
Sakai and Auckland are next in action on Saturday afternoon in this season’s third instalment of the New Zealand Derby.
Auckland are looking to sweep the Phoenix with their third win from three games against their New Zealand rivals.
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