Auckland FC’s biggest star will call Go Media Stadium home for at least one more year.
Captain Hiroki Sakai has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the Black Knights until the end of the 25/26 season.
Sakai told the Herald the idea of sticking around longer in the City of Sails eventuated in early November after the third round against the Wellington Phoenix.
“[The] negotiation, talks and discussion [happened] after the first derby.
“[It was] very fast and also this decision was not so difficult for me and for my family.
The Japanese right-back has become an integral part of the team - scoring one, assisting another, and at the heart of a defence that has kept nine clean sheets, conceding the fewest goals in the competition.
He is also responsible for forcing two very memorable own goals. The first, and the team’s very first, was in Auckland’s opening game against Brisbane Roar and the second, in the 2-1 home derby win against Wellington.
Head coach Steve Corica said the extension is a big deal given the skipper’s form.
“He’s our leader, a great experienced player, and as you can see he’s a fantastic player as well, defensively really strong,” Corica said.
“The boys love him, so we’re very pleased to have him for another year”
Corica was forced to lock in the defender early before he was snatched up by Aussie rival teams.
“Once the January window is open, obviously other teams can speak to our players if they’re out of contract.
“I’m sure any club would love to have Hiroki, but he’s happy here and we’re very pleased to have him back.”
Loving life in Auckland and with the team, Sakai said the decision to extend his contract was an easy one to make.
“My family and I have really taken to Auckland. 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,” says Sakai.
“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.”
Auckland FC captain Hiroki Sakai with fans ahead of his contract extension announcement.
With 74 appearances for the Japanese national team, Sakai is the most high-profile of Auckland’s overseas imports and has been one of the stand-out players across the A-League.
The experienced 34-year-old has played in three Fifa World Cups and two Olympic Games. He’s one of eight Japanese players enjoying life in the A-League men’s competition, representing the largest group of overseas imports playing in the league.
“For all his quality he is a very humble guy,” Corica said. “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.”
A seasoned European campaigner, Hiroki made 96 appearances at Hannover 96 in Germany’s Bundesliga and played over 145 matches for Olympique de Marseille in the French Ligue 1.
Fans can expect to next see him run out at Go Media in the derby against the Phoenix on Saturday, March 22. The match is expected to sell out with a limited numbers of tickets still available.
