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Official: Yuki Abe completes Urawa Reds move after leaving Leicester City
The 30-year-old's 18-month spell at Leicester was spent away from his family and being close to them was behind his decision to return to his homeland
25 Jan 2012 07:23:00
By Kosuke Kato
J-League club Urawa Red Diamonds have announced Japan international midfielder Yuki Abe will return to the club after 18 months at Championship side Leicester City.
Abe, who had left his family behind in Japan when he moved to England, explained on Urawa’s official website the reasons behind his return to his homeland.
“Living away from my family has been the most difficult challenge that I have had to cope with,” Abe said.
“Playing in England has been an amazing experience. However my family is of the utmost importance to me."
Having played an integral role for Japan at the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the 30-year-old signed with Leicester City upon his country’s elimination from the tournament, and made a strong contribution to the club’s bid for promotion to the Premier League.
Abe made a total of 59 appearances in all competitions for the East Midlands club and scored two goals.
Having undergone a successful medical check with Urawa, his former club, Abe will now participate in the team’s week-long pre-season training camp in Miyazaki prefecture.
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Abe, who had left his family behind in Japan when he moved to England, explained on Urawa’s official website the reasons behind his return to his homeland.
“Living away from my family has been the most difficult challenge that I have had to cope with,” Abe said.
“Playing in England has been an amazing experience. However my family is of the utmost importance to me."
Having played an integral role for Japan at the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the 30-year-old signed with Leicester City upon his country’s elimination from the tournament, and made a strong contribution to the club’s bid for promotion to the Premier League.
Abe made a total of 59 appearances in all competitions for the East Midlands club and scored two goals.
Having undergone a successful medical check with Urawa, his former club, Abe will now participate in the team’s week-long pre-season training camp in Miyazaki prefecture.
Abe becomes the second high-profile signing for the Saitama club, who had a forgettable 2011 campaign, following compatriot Tomoaki Makino’s loan move from Bundesliga outfit Koln.
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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