Al Ain reward Shiotani with contract extension

Dubai - The Japanese centre-back will stay at the club until 2021

Following impressive performances, record Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ain FC have rewarded Tsukasa Shiotani with a contract extension, the club confirmed.
The 30-year-old Japanese centre-back, who had joined Al Ain from J1 League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2017, was handed a two-year extension that will see him stay at the club until 2021.
"It was a unanimous decision to renew Tsukasa Shiotani's contract with Al Ain FC for two more seasons," Mohammed Obaid Hammad, Member of the Board of Directors, told the club's official website.
"He has provided outstanding performances since he joined the club and has shown great commitment and professionalism inside and outside the pitch. He has also shown the desire to defend the team's logo. Shiotani was keen on staying and we were also happy to continue with him. We wish him the best and hope he continues to work towards the ambitions of the club," he added.
Hammad also revealed that more decisions regarding contracts of the other players, will be taken during the coming days.
Meanwhile, Shiotani too was delighted with the extension and vowed to strive even harder to meet the goals set out by Al Ain.
"I've had some great moments with Al Ain FC and faced some great challenges. I could have only achieved them with a great international club like Al Ain. My family was very happy to live in this beautiful city of Al Ain. I appreciate the support of Al Ain," said Shiotani.
Shiotani, who starred in Al Ain's dream run to the final of the Fifa Club World Cup, where they eventually went down to European champions Real Madrid, reiterated his commitment and said that he will work hard with his teammates to return Al Ain to where they belong.
Al Ain have gone through a rough patch this season after winning a record 13th League title last season. Playmaker Omar Abdulrahman departed to Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal and so did coach Zoran Mamic.
"We have not achieved the aspirations that is consistent with this club and the fans, this season. But we are a top club that has good quality players and we will return stronger next season," said Shiotani, capped seven times by Japan.
Shiotani, who replaced South Korean Lee Myung-joo, has made 59 appearances for Al Ain, scoring 11 goals with seven assists. Al Ain are currently fourth in the Arabian Gulf League.
james@khaeejtimes.com