Australia's Neill joins Japanese club Omiya

Published December 04, 2015

Australia's captain Lucas Neill acknowledges the crowd after his team's win against Iraq during their 2014 World Cup qualifier in Sydney on June 18, 2013. Neill has signed a contract with Japan's Omiya Ardija and is ready to play as early as next weekend, the J-League club announced Sunday. (AFP/File)

Australia's national football captain Lucas Neill has signed a contract with Japan's Omiya Ardija and is ready to play as early as next weekend, the J-League club announced Sunday.

The 35-year-old defender had been searching for a new club since the end of the A-League season, when he completed a short-term deal with Sydney FC.

"Mr. Neill told us he is very excited to join us," an Omiya spokesman said.

"He has already arrived in Japan and is ready to play starting at the upcoming match on Saturday if he can clear all necessary procedures."

A picture of Neill wearing Omiya's orange shirt has been posted on the club's website. The team declined to confirm further details such as his term and contract sum.

Earlier this month Omiya sacked manager Zdenko Verdenik after a run of five defeats saw them slip from top spot to fourth in the first-division table.

They lost 1-2 to Sagan Tosu on Saturday, extending their losing streak to six and dropping further to fifth in the table.

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