Auckland FC captain Sakai signs with the club for another year

Auckland FC captain Hiroki Sakai has signed a one-year contract extension with the club through until the end of next season.

The new contract will keep the 33-year-old Japanese defender in Auckland until the end of the 25/26 season.

Since starring in the team's first-ever outing in the A-League, Sakai has scored one goal, assisted another, and forced two own goals.

He has proved to be an essential part of Auckland's debut season in Australasia's top flight, with the club rising to the top of the ladder. At the time of his re-signing, the club was five points clear of second-place Adelaide United.

In a statement today, the former Olympique de Marseille, Hannover 96, and Japan national team player said he was "loving life" in Auckland.

“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," he said.

"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.

“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 imagine packing up and moving on at the end of the season.”

Head coach Steve Corica praised Sakai as a "humble guy" and a "great influence" on the younger players at the club.

“On the pitch, he’s just fantastic. He covers an incredible amount of ground and is, technically, very gifted," he said.

“Having Hiroki here for at least another season is great news for us and for the fans who enjoy seeing him perform every week.”

Sakai will lead the team out of the tunnel when Auckland clashes with the Wellington Phoenix in the New Zealand derby at Mt Smart this Saturday afternoon.