Matsui signs on at St-Étienne
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Article summary
Japan midfielder Daisuke Matsui is looking forward to playing in front of AS Saint-Etienne's passionate support after joining on a three-year deal from Le Mans UC 72.
Article top media content
Article body
Japan midfielder Daisuke Matsui has said goodbye to Le Mans UC 72 after four seasons to sign for their Ligue 1 rivals AS Saint-Etienne on a three-year contract.
UEFA Cup challenge
Matsui, capped seven times by Japan, joins a St-Étienne side now strengthening for a UEFA Cup campaign in the autumn after finishing the French season in fifth place. The 27-year-old former Kyoto Sanga FC player made 119 appearances for Le Mans, scoring 15 goals – five of them during 2007/08. Looking forward to pulling on a green shirt, he said: "From playing at St-Étienne, I've realised how devoted the fans are. The stadium is always full and you can feel the passion in this club."