Midfield maestro Shinji Ono has confirmed he wants to stay an NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderer for next season.
Midfield maestro Shinji Ono has confirmed he wants to stay an NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderer for next season.
Ono, 33, said there were some pre-emptive talks occurring but he wants to stay because he loved it in Australia.
“I want to stay but I don’t know what’s happening yet,” Ono said.
“I think my agent is talking with the club – I don’t know, I am not really sure.
“But I want to stay. I love it here.”
The 33-year-old Japan international has improved throughout the season, with his form instrumental in the Wanderers’ rise into the top four of the Hyundai A-League.
He has dazzled supporters in recent times and has contributed four goals and three assists from 16 matches.
Coach Tony Popovic said he was very keen for Ono to stay in red and black but there was no huge hurry to get the deal done.
“All along, we’ve said that we’re very happy with Shinji and obviously there’s a process that needs to be taken,” Popovic said.
“But he knows the club’s desire and he knows my desire of wanting to keep Shinji and we’ll see if we can make that happen.
“The process has started now and hopefully both parties will be happy and we’ll see him here again next year.
“There’s no time frame on that. I mean I’d be happy if it was the end of the season – I wouldn’t be worried when it is done.
“We’re not going to rush anything and, as long as he’s happy and he’s happy playing – we’re happy with how the process is going and that’s the main thing.”
The Wanderers will shoot for a third straight victory when they host Melbourne Heart at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday at 7.45pm at Parramatta Stadium.
Ono said he was enjoying life in Australia and particularly the sense of humour of people here.
The Japan legend revealed that one of his teammates had a new “Aussie” take on his nickname “Tensai”, meaning genius in Japanese.
“Shannon Cole has a new nickname for me it is ‘tense eyes-,” he said with a wink and a smile.
