Paris (AFP) – Japan defender Hiroki Sakai announced on Monday he was leaving Marseille after five seasons at the Ligue 1 club.
“At the end of this season, I have decided to leave Europe and put an end to my Marseille dream,” the 31-year-old posted on Instagram.
“Indeed, when I arrived in Marseille, I had decided that OM would be in my last European club and I have not changed my mind,” he said.
Sakai, who 61 Japan caps, arrived in 2016 from Hannover and made 184 appearances for Marseille, scoring twice and was under contract until 2022,
Sakai did not play as the club drew their last game of the season at Metz on Sunday, ruled out by a recurring back problem.
He was voted the club’s player of season in 2019 by fans.
“With 184 games played, I have always given everything of myself for this beautiful shirt,” he wrote. “Sayonara.”
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $5.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season