Utrecht turn to Japanese
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Article summary
Dutch Cup winners FC Utrecht have announced the loan signing of Japanese midfield player Toshiya Fujita.
Article body
One-year deal
The 31-year-old, capped eleven times by Japan, has joined on a one-year deal although Utrecht have the option of extending the contract to a second year depending on the player's progress.
Utrecht pay nothing
Remarkably the move will cost the club nothing as Fujita's salary will be paid by a business partner, the Shootribe Europe company who have been instrumental in arranging the deal and will work with the club in developing the player's commercial interests.
'A huge signing for us'
Utrecht chairman Martin Sturkenboom said of Fujita: "He really is a huge signing for us on sporting grounds. Technical manager Han Berger and coach Foeke Booy really wanted to have him in our squad. That we managed to sign him is fantastic, and besides the sporting aspect I hope the signing of such a big player will give a boost to our season-ticket sales."
Favourite son
Sturkenboom thanked Jubilo for their co-operation in their deal, saying: "Fujita has meant a lot for the club over the past ten years. That is why they are giving him the chance of a European adventure. But it really means a lot that they are letting go one of their favourite sons."
