Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper Mitch Langerak is the latest Aussie to move to Japan after signing has made the J-League outfit Nagoya Grampus.
As he searches for consistent game time ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Langerak decided to leave Spanish side Levante, where he was unable to break into the starting XI.
The 29-year-old has been a regular member of the Caltex Socceroos squads during qualifying but with a new coach to take the helm, he wants to be playing to stake his place for a spot on the plane to Russia.
“Thank you for giving me this opportunity,” Langerak told the club’s website.
“I am very thrilled to come to Japan now.
“Nagoya’s environment, I heard from Mr. Kagawa Shinji and Kennedy ...
“I will do my best in order to contribute to the points of the team as much as possible. I am waiting for the opening of the league and I hope to be able to meet the fans and supporters as soon as possible I am looking forward to it.”
Langerak is not the first Aussie to play for Nagoya, with former striker Josh Kennedy also spending time at the club.
Nagoya are back in the J-League in 2018 after finishing third in Japan’s second tier last season to earn promotion.
Langerak is one of four Aussies in the J-League now alongside Milos Degenek (Yokohama F.Marinos), Mitch Duke (Shimizu S-Pulse) and Ben Halloran V-Varen Nagasaki.
Ex-Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou is also the new coach at Yokohama.
The J-League season kicks off in February.