The next time Shinji Okazaki (c.) walks out at the coface Arena, he will be emerging from the home team's dressing room
The next time Shinji Okazaki (c.) walks out at the coface Arena, he will be emerging from the home team's dressing room

Okazaki makes Mainz move

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Mainz - Shinji Okazaki swapped one red and white jersey for another by joining 1. FSV Mainz 05 from VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday.

Goalscoring acumen

The 66-time Japanese international, who netted twice during the FIFA Confederations Cup this summer, will strengthen the Mainz attack next season after putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.

“We’re really pleased that Shinji Okazaki has decided to join us,” said Mainz coach Thomas Tuchel. “He’s a player with attributes which are very important for the way we play football. He’s an absolute team player and is a very versatile attacker, and always very dangerous and potent in front of goal.”

He has underlined that ability for Japan with 35 goals, including six at the Asian Games in 2011. He found the back of the net ten times in 63 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart.

“Shinji has decided to seek a new challenge after two and a half years with VfB,” said Stuttgart’s sporting director Fredi Bobic. “Since he only had a year left on his contract, we were open to negotiations and have agreed to the transfer, not least because Shinji has given outstanding service to VfB. We wish him all the best with his new club.”