Kakeru Funaki joins Albirex Niigata

Cerezo Osaka can confirm that Kakeru Funaki has joined Albirex Niigata on a permanent deal.

Comments

"I've decided to join Albirex Niigata. First of all, thank you so much for your passionate support over such a long time, including my days in the academy. Right now, I’m filled with a deep sense of frustration. From the day I set my sights on becoming a professional player at this club, I was able to fulfill my dream of turning pro at Cerezo. Since last year, I’ve also worn the number 14 shirt passed down from Maru-kun, and I hoped to grow into a player who could make that important number even more meaningful and become someone loved by the fans. I’m truly sorry that I’m leaving so soon. After receiving the offer from Niigata, I thought carefully about my current situation and my future career, and this is the decision I arrived at. From now on, I’ll be fighting in the J1 League as a Niigata player, but my love for Cerezo will never change. Thank you again for all your support over the years!"

Profile

Date of Birth
April 13, 1998

Place of Birth
Nara

Height / Weight
177cm / 65kg

Position
Defender

Career
Cerezo Osaka School Nagai Branch
Cerezo Osaka U-12
Cerezo Osaka U-15
Cerezo Osaka U-18
Cerezo Osaka *As a Class-2 player
Cerezo Osaka
Jubilo Iwata *Developmental loan
SC Sagamihara *Developmental loan
Cerezo Osaka

National Team
U-17 Japan
U-18 Japan
U-19 Japan
U-20 Japan
U-22 Japan

Player Data
J1: 81 games / 3 goals
J2: 23 games / 0 goal
J3: 63 games / 2 goals
League Cup: 31 games / 2 goals
Emperor's Cup: 12 games / 1 goal
ACL: 2 games / 0 goal